Brighton dance teacher wins national coaching award

A Brighton-based dance teacher has been recognised on the national stage after winning one of the top honours at the 2025 UK Coaching Awards.

Natasha Britton, founder of Parable Dance, was announced as the Coach Education and Development Practitioner of the Year at last night’s ceremony in Leeds. 

The awards are widely regarded as the highest level of recognition within the UK coaching community, celebrating the inspirational contributions of coaches across sport and physical activity.

Reflecting on her win, Natasha said: “I’m thrilled to have been awarded the ‘Coach Education Development Practitioner of the Year Award’ at the UK Coaching Awards.

“The award recognises the inclusive teacher training and networking opportunities that I’ve developed over my 25-year career.

“I’ve had the privilege of training and mentoring so many wonderful dance artists over the years and feel incredibly lucky to have been celebrated in this way.

“The award means so much to me personally, but also to Parable Dance as it recognises the impact of our national training work.”

The celebration marks the second major accolade for Parable Dance in just a few weeks. 

On Thursday, November 27, young dance leader Max Arnold was named Rising Star at the Sussex Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2025.

You can read more about Max’s achievement here.

This year’s UK Coaching Awards honoured nine exceptional winners whose work has strengthened communities, supported participants, and shaped coaching across the country. 

The evening also celebrated the lifetime achievements of John Lowther, founder of Kendal Snowsports Club, and the Coaching Chain behind cycling icon Lizzie Deignan.

One of the standout moments of the night was the Great Coaching Moment Award, voted for by the public. John Mitchell claimed the title for leading the Red Roses to World Cup victory, edging out Sarina Wiegman and Andy Farrell in a moment that captured the nation’s imagination.

British Rowing was also recognised as the inaugural winner of the Green Award, supported by Sport England, acknowledging their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Throughout the event, heartfelt tributes highlighted the profound and lasting influence coaches have on people’s lives.

Mark Gannon, CEO of UK Coaching, praised the inspirational individuals recognised at the awards, saying: “The UK Coaching Awards is always a memorable and incredible night. It offers the perfect chance for us to celebrate the remarkable coaches nationwide who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences for those they coach.

“They make an incredible impact on people and their surrounding communities, acting as unsung heroes who always set the right environment, support their growth and success to extreme lengths and inspire the nation to stay healthy and active.

“From the finalists to the very worthy winners, it’s an honour to recognise such inspirational individuals who truly deserve this spotlight.”