Restless Dance Theatre Celebrates 35 Years at Government House

Restless Dance Theatre marked a significant milestone on Thursday 2 July, celebrating 35 years of creating extraordinary contemporary dance with and without disability at a special reception hosted at Government House, Adelaide.

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and her husband, Mr Rod Bunten, welcomed guests for the occasion, which brought together the many people who have helped shape Restless Dance Theatre over the past three and a half decades.

The celebration was attended by past Artistic Directors, board members, artists, tutors, staff, supporters, advocates and long-time friends of the company, alongside Minister for Arts Hon Kyam Maher and Assistant Minister for the Arts Sarah Andrews MP. Together, they reflected on Restless’ journey from its beginnings in 1991 to becoming Australia’s leading creator of dance theatre by dancers with and without disability.

The evening celebrated not only the company’s artistic achievements but also the community that has been at the heart of Restless throughout its history. Guests shared stories, reconnected with former colleagues and collaborators, and recognised the countless individuals whose passion, creativity and advocacy have helped redefine what is possible through inclusive contemporary dance.

As Restless enters the future, the company continues to champion artistic excellence, creating powerful contemporary dance works that bring together artists with diverse minds, bodies and imaginations. Through performance, education and employment, Restless remains committed to creating opportunities for artists and audiences alike while leading conversations around inclusion in the arts.

Restless extends its sincere thanks to every artist, participant, staff member, tutor, volunteer, board member, supporter and advocate who has been part of the Restless story over the past 35 years. Your belief in the power of inclusive dance has shaped our history and inspires everything we do as we look towards the future.

Here’s to the next 35 years of bold artistry, meaningful inclusion and extraordinary stories told through dance.