Parable Dance young leader wins the Rising Star award winner

Max Arnold, an inspiring young leader at Parable Dance CIC, was named Rising Star at the Sussex Sports and Physical Activity Awards 2025.

In the past two years, Max has shown outstanding commitment and dedication as both a Parable Dance Artist and a National Youth Ballet (NYB) All In! Young Leader and Steering Committee member.

Max has developed his skills as a dance artist through regular classes with Parable and NYB, where he now confidently leads creative tasks each week.

He supports his peers with warmth and patience, encouraging everyone to participate and enjoy moving together.

His ability to motivate others, largely non verbally, using his expression and energy, makes him a powerful role model and a unique leader.

He has already made a tangible difference in the community.

Max has assisted in inclusive workshops at St John’s College and for Amaze in their SEND Short Breaks holiday clubs, and he regularly volunteers at Parable’s three-day, council-funded holiday clubs.

In the nomination, Parabale Dance CIC said: “His presence lifts the energy of the room: he celebrates every dancer’s contribution, creating an atmosphere where participants feel valued and inspired to keep going.”

Beyond weekly classes, Max has represented inclusive dance on wider platforms.

He has performed on the main stage at Sadler’s Wells as part of NYB’s national inclusive ballet project ‘All In!’ and helped shape the programme’s direction through the steering committee.

He has advocated for inclusion at events, such as a disco for an inclusive housing company, where he encouraged others onto the dance floor, and he co-delivered a presentation and workshop at a regional Mencap conference.

Max’s journey has not been without barriers. As a young man with Down Syndrome who uses little verbal communication, he has had to carve his own path in a sector where disabled leadership is still rare.

Through determination, resilience, and joy, he is breaking down stereotypes of who can lead, perform, and inspire. Max’s leadership shines through his actions, his smile, and his passion for dance.

Parable Dance CIC said: “We feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside Max.

“He is a Rising Star whose impact is already reaching far beyond our classes, empowering disabled and non-disabled participants alike to move more, dream bigger, and believe in themselves.

“His future in the sector is bright, and this award would recognise the positive difference he is already making.”