Restless Dance Theatre teaching artist Emma Stokes has been named Teacher of the Year by Ausdance SA.
Presented as part of International Dance Day celebrations, the inaugural award recognises outstanding contribution to dance education and the significant impact dance teachers have within their communities.
Stokes has been part of the Restless Dance Theatre community for 16 years, contributing across teaching, performance, choreography, rehearsal direction, mentorship and creative collaboration. She is also the lead artist of Restless ReMix, a program delivered in partnership with the Office for Autism that provides inclusive dance workshops in schools.
Through ReMix, Stokes co-designs and delivers neuro-affirming creative environments that centre Autistic voices and experiences. Her work has helped create spaces where participants are encouraged to express themselves with confidence, creativity and agency.
Stokes has also led Links, Restless Dance Theatre’s children’s workshop program, for more than a decade. The program introduces young dancers to the studio, with many participants later progressing into Central, Restless’ program for dancers aged 15 to 27, and other company pathways. Some have gone on to become Emerging Artists and Company Dancers, touring nationally and internationally with Restless.
Beyond her work with Restless, Stokes has built a wide-ranging career as a performer, choreographer, facilitator and community arts practitioner. After completing a Bachelor of Dance Performance at the Adelaide Centre for the Arts, she received the Helpmann Academy and Minter Ellison Rising Star Award. Her performance career has included Adelaide Festival productions, performances with State Opera South Australia, and tours to Edinburgh, Oman and London.
Alongside her artistic practice, Stokes has dedicated much of her career to creating accessible and inclusive dance experiences for neurodiverse and disabled communities through Restless, other arts and disability organisations, and her own practice, Amplify.
The award recognises Stokes’ long-standing contribution to dance education, and her commitment to creating dance spaces built on communication, confidence, joy and belonging.