On 5 September 2025, Restless Dance Theatre had the joy of leading a special workshop as part of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival. Hosted at the welcoming Timber Lodge, right next to the iconic Olympic Park with its beautiful views of nature, this free event invited learning disabled adults and community members to explore dance with us — whether they had years of experience or were stepping into the studio for the very first time.

Led by our Artistic Director Michelle Ryan, Artistic Associate Larissa McGowan, Restless Company dancers, and guest artists from Through Another Lens, the workshops introduced participants to the Restless Dance Theatre Method. This unique approach blends contemporary dance with physical devising techniques, encouraging everyone to express themselves through movement, take risks, and push beyond perceived limitations.

Across the session participants leapt, stretched, and moved together, sharing stories through their bodies and discovering new ways of connecting. One participant described it as “such an open and engaged group, with beautiful connections all around and so much shared between dancers and participants.”

Michelle and Larissa also reflected on the richness of the exchange, saying that “the participants were incredibly open and engaged. The presence of our Company dancers brought a fun, collaborative energy to the space, and the final discussion was rich and hopeful, with many expressing interests in future workshops — whether online or in person.”

Moments like this highlight what makes Restless unique. As Australia’s leading inclusive dance company, we are committed to creating spaces where neurodiverse, disabled, and non-disabled people come together as equals — exploring artistry, movement, and the simple pleasure of dancing.

A huge thank you to Greenwich + Docklands International Festival and Newham London for hosting us, and to all the participants who joined — your energy and imagination made the day unforgettable.