The charity that Hip Hop to Help has chosen to support this month is Facial Palsy UK as it is close to the heart of one of our dancers Courtney Nicholson.

Courtney's story:

Facial Palsy is an illness whereby an individuals immune system attacks their nerve cells, resulting in paralysis of the facial muscles. In February 2013, at the age of 12, my younger sister Macy was diagnosed with Bells Palsy: leaving her with total paralysis of the left side of her face. Seven years later, she is still receiving treatment.

There are 50 known causes of facial paralysis in the UK, affecting 1 in 4 per 10,000 people every year. Despite this, Facial Palsy remains an illness that is under-researched and difficult to diagnose for many people. In Macy’s case, many doctors had no knowledge of the illness and had never seen in it a young person - with one doctor even sending her away with the diagnosis of a “swollen lip”. Facial Palsy UK, therefore, works to both raise awareness of the illness, and is committed to researching the diagnosis, management and treatment of Facial Palsy. With more funding, sufferers of facial palsy will not only receive faster, more effective treatments, but will also receive the support that my sister lacked during her diagnosis seven years ago. Thank you.

Class Details:

When: 2-4pm, Saturday 21st September

Where: Base Dance Studios, James Brown Studio

Who: Professional dancers Ashton Sands and Mohamed Bangura will be teaching routines. 

Cost: FREE, with an optional donation for Facial Palsy UK. All ages and levels welcome.

About Hip Hop to Help

Hip Hop to Help is a non-profit social enterprise set up in 2017 by a student at Warwick University, Amber-Louise Pocklington.

Hip Hop to Help raises money and awareness for charities through optional donations at free dance classes, as well as giving all children and adults from all backgrounds opportunity to learn to, and enjoy dance.

If you would like free dance classes at your school or in your area, or you would like to volunteer, please email hiphoptohelp@gmail.com. Check out our Instagram @hiphoptohelp or Facebook Page for updates too!