Last month, Restless Dance Theatre welcomed over 400 students and teachers into our studios for a week of immersive performance, discussion and creative exploration as part of our Seeing Through Darkness Schools Program.

Following a powerful season at WOMADelaide 2025, Seeing Through Darkness returned in a more intimate form — this time as a workshop and performance experience tailored especially for school groups. Held at Restless Studios from 16–19 June, the program gave students a rare glimpse behind the curtain to discover how professional dance theatre is made — and why inclusive artmaking matters.

Thanks to the generous support of Variety SA, the sessions were offered completely free of charge for students, teachers and support staff — removing financial barriers and creating an open invitation to connect with dance in a meaningful, inclusive and empowering way.

Led by Artistic Director Michelle Ryan, Artistic Associate Larissa McGowan and Company Dancer Bonnie Williams, students not only witnessed a live performance by Australia’s leading disability-led dance company, but were also guided through a hands-on creative workshop. They explored how movement can be inspired by visual art, experimented with theatre lighting and design, and created their own expressive responses across our studios.

“My personal experience with Restless Dance Theatre was nothing but positive! The inclusive and supportive nature of the company was extremely evident through their instructor’s passion for dance and our interactions… I hope this was my first of many interactions with the company!” – Workshop participant

These sessions weren’t just about learning dance — they were about building confidence, embracing creativity, and seeing disability-led work in action.

“Through participating in Restless Dance class I was able to grow as a dancer and a person… The dance allowed us to build our confidence and dancing skills whilst also giving us the opportunity for self-expression. Couldn’t recommend a better dance company!”

Restless is proud to be a place where all students — regardless of experience, background or ability — can feel valued, inspired and artistically challenged. Each session was tailored to meet the needs of each group, creating safe, responsive spaces for creative risk-taking and discovery.

“The ethos of the company helping those vulnerable is something I applaud, and thus believe funding on this company is necessary.”

We are so proud of the energy, generosity and curiosity that students brought into our space across the week — and we’re already looking forward to welcoming more schools into our studios again soon.

If you’re a teacher or education coordinator interested in bringing your students to a future Restless workshop, email us at education@restlessdance.org to be added to our schools mailing list.

For more information about Seeing Through Darkness and our education programs, visit:
👉 https://restlessdance.org/schools/education-outreach-program/

Photos curtesy of Concordia College.