We’re thrilled to announce that our colleague and dear friend Emma Stokes has been awarded 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 profound impact teachers have within their communities. Emma embodies this spirit wholeheartedly.
Emma has been part of the Restless family for 16 years, contributing across almost every aspect of the company. She is not only a dynamic and deeply respected tutor, but also the lead of our Restless ReMix program — co-designing and delivering inclusive dance workshops in schools in partnership with the Office for Autism. Through ReMix, Emma is helping shape neuro-affirming creative environments that centre Autistic voices and experiences.
Her impact at Restless spans generations of dancers. For more than a decade, Emma has led Links, our children’s workshop program, nurturing young dancers from their very first experiences in the studio. Many children have entered Emma’s classes with little or no dance experience, and through her encouragement, care, and belief in their potential, have grown in confidence both as dancers and as people.
Emma has guided countless participants as they transition from Links into Central (ages 15 – 27) and other Restless programs as they grow older. Some of those young dancers have gone on to become Emerging Artists and Company Dancers, touring nationally and internationally with Restless — often with Emma by their side, continuing to support them on their artistic journeys.
Her work at Restless extends far beyond the studio. Emma supports the Company in rehearsals and on tour, mentors young artists, and contributes as a choreographer, rehearsal director, and creative collaborator across numerous projects. She brings generosity, deep listening, and artistic excellence to every space she enters.
An award-winning artist, Emma has built an extraordinary career spanning 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 career has taken her across Australia and internationally, including appearances in Adelaide Festival productions, performances with the State Opera of South Australia, and tours to Edinburgh, Oman, and London.
Alongside her performance work, Emma has dedicated 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.
What makes Emma truly exceptional is the way she connects with people. Her teaching creates spaces where participants feel empowered, valued, and free to express themselves. She understands dance not just as an artform, but as a powerful tool for communication, confidence, joy, and belonging.
This award recognises years of dedication, creativity, and impact. Emma has positively influenced countless lives through dance, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.
Congratulations, Emma!
