A PROFESSIONAL dancer is offering lessons to help raise money for charity.

Nicky Burke, along with 13 other dancers, will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and attempting to raise £70,000 to help poor children in Africa.

So she can reach her personal goal of £3,500, Nicky is holding dance classes at Haydon Wick Community Centre on April 14 at an event called Dance Can Save The World Fundraising Day.

“The lessons will be great fun and anyone is welcome to have a go,” said the 23-year-old, who has appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.

“No experience is necessary and it’s a great way to get fit. The only thing I ask is that people donate £4 towards their lesson.”

There will be three classes run on the day, each 45 minutes long.

The first, starting at 11am, is aimed specifically at children and will be hosted by Emily-Rose Carter who runs Twirl And Whirl Dance Parties.

Nicky will be running the second class, called Dirty Dancing, which starts at noon and the final class, Jumpin’ Jive, which starts an hour later.

“There is a great variety for people to try,” said Emily.

“I will also be doing a raffle in each class and there will be prizes to win, such as a private lesson.”

With all the flights to Africa already booked and paid for, all the money raised through the classes will go straight to charity.

The overall aim of the trip is to help Giving Africa, a charity that focuses on helping countries in West Africa.

The trip has been arranged with the organisation Awareness Through Dancing.

“The money we raise will go towards finishing the building of a school in Burkina Faso. It is the most illiterate country in the world so the school will make all the difference,” said Emily.

Spaces are limited so booking in advance is required. Email nickylsc@googlemail.com or to donate visit www.justgiving.com/ Nicola-Burke1.