Restless Dance Theatre’s Emma Stokes named inaugural Teacher of the Year by Ausdance SA

Restless Dance Theatre’s Emma Stokes has been awarded the inaugural Teacher of the Year by Ausdance SA, presented as part of International Dance Day celebrations.

The award recognises outstanding contributions to dance education and the profound impact teachers have within their communities. Emma embodies this spirit wholeheartedly.

A vital member of the Restless family for 16 years, Emma has contributed across almost every aspect of the company. She is a dynamic and deeply respected tutor, as well as the lead of the Restless ReMix program, where she co-designs and delivers inclusive dance workshops in schools in partnership with the Office for Autism. Through ReMix, she is helping create neuro-affirming creative environments that centre Autistic voices and experiences.

Emma’s impact at Restless spans generations. For more than a decade, she has led Links, the company’s children’s workshop program, nurturing young dancers from their very first studio experiences. Many students have entered her classes with little or no dance background, only to grow in confidence — both as dancers and as individuals — through her encouragement, care, and belief in their potential.

She has guided countless participants as they transition from Links into Central (ages 15–27) and other Restless programs. Several of those young dancers have progressed to become Emerging Artists and Company Dancers, touring nationally and internationally, often with Emma continuing to support them on their artistic journeys.

Beyond the studio, Emma supports the company in rehearsals and on tour, mentors young artists, and works as a choreographer, rehearsal director, and creative collaborator. She brings generosity, deep listening, and artistic excellence to every space she enters.

An award-winning artist in her own right, Emma’s career spans performance, choreography, facilitation, and community arts practice. After completing a Bachelor of Dance Performance at the Adelaide Centre for the Arts, she received the prestigious Helpmann Academy and Minter Ellison Rising Star Award. Her performance work has taken her across Australia and internationally, including Adelaide Festival productions, performances with the State Opera of South Australia, and tours to Edinburgh, Oman, and London.

Alongside her performance career, she has dedicated herself to creating accessible and inclusive dance experiences for neurodiverse and disabled communities through Restless, other arts organisations, and her own practice, Amplify.

For the latest Restless Dance Theatre news, visit restlessdance.org.

Emma Stokes headshot courtesy Restless Dance Theatre