Dave McNichol is chief executive of Warrington Youth Zone and writes a regular column for the Warrington Guardian

One of the most important aspects of Warrington Youth Zone is the performing arts studio, many times it is referred to as a dance studio, which very much undersells the incredible work which can take place in this area.

While we provide a space for children and young people to dance, the studio is a space in which our members are encouraged to express themselves in a range of performances and movements which allow them to explore how they are feeling.

As many adults will testify, the idea of public speaking or delivering a presentation can cause people to feel completely petrified and many people I know have avoided at all costs the need to speak to an audience or to network in a room of strangers. At best this can place many out of their comfort zone and at worse can induce severe panic.

If you were to delve beneath the top layer of each activity that we provide at the Youth Zone whether it is sports, arts, discussion or baking, there is always an element of confidence building and our team supporting children and young people to develop their self-esteem through interactions with youth workers, volunteers and each other.

The performing arts studio is often the hub of the space in which we can create opportunities for children and young people to have the experience of delivering a performance to others. We recently joined forced with the team from LiveWire and Culture Warrington and Warrington Wolves to develop a dance routine to be shown during the Rugby League World Cup.

It was really important that all children and young people had the opportunity to take part and not just those who had experience of dancing. Of the 60 young people involved in the performance many had never danced before and would not normally access such opportunities. Some of them are facing a range of challenges including social anxiety and low confidence, to see the dance take place at half time during the Papa New Guinea and Cook Islands Match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium was magical.

It was a very special experience which will live on the memories of all of those who took part, and since the performance our team have observed an increased confidence in many of the dancers.

If you would like to find out more information about Warrington Youth Zone or the programmes, activities and events that we provide or know someone who may benefit from our support please check our website Home - Warrington Youth Zone call us on 977277 or pop into the youth zone at the end of Dallam Lane.