Speeches
Thursday, 02 July 2026
Reception for Restless Dance Theatre's 35th Anniversary
Rod and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Restless Dance Theatre.
In doing so, we mark 35 years of artistic innovation, 35 years of social impact, 35 years of challenging perceptions of disability, while redefining excellence in the arts.
Today we celebrate the artists, alumni, staff, and supporters who have shaped the company’s path and continue to ensure its strength and impact.
On a personal level, it has been a pleasure for me to get to know you during my term as Governor.
Rod and I first saw a performance of Restless Dance Theatre at WOMADelaide. Visually, it was stunning. It was also deeply moving. It was as if the hearts and souls of the performers were flowing across the stage to the audience. We were fans!
That experience tapped into something that has continued to resonate emotionally – the choreography, the fluid movement, the joy of performing, and the power of dance to take dancers and audience somewhere beyond ourselves.
Friends
Through Restless Dance Theatre - and other companies such as No Strings Attached and Tutti Arts - South Australia shows the nation that arts are for everyone.
At the heart of the company’s success are the artists, both with and without disability, whose talents, imagination, and dedication have expanded our understanding of human experience.
They do this in ways that move and delight, that give us unique insights into a world seen through other eyes.
Importantly, too, Restless has given dancers the opportunity to work as paid professionals, and to take part in creative development.
We could define the word restless as unwilling or unable to stand still, and that is true in a literal sense. It is also true of your mission.
You haven’t stood still, you are always willing to innovate, to shift perspectives and challenge convention.
You have been restless for success since your inception at Carclew through to your current home in Gilles Street.
That restlessness has carried you across some of the nation’s most significant stages and festivals: The Adelaide Fringe, the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Cultural Festival, the Adelaide and Brisbane Festivals and various iconic venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of South Australia, the Hilton Hotel, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Each a backdrop to your artistic journey.
Your tours have included the United Kingdom and South Korea.
The company’s reputation today demonstrates how artistic excellence, and social impact can be intertwined.
Recognition of your place on the national and international arts stage is evidenced by the patronage of the Governor General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn.
I thank founders Sally Chance and Tania Rose for their pioneering commitment and all those whose passions have contributed so significantly to the company’s success.
I congratulate you on forging a clear pipeline from community and education programs through to emerging artists and professional company dancers - along the way fostering connection, confidence and understanding.
Again, congratulations on your 35th anniversary.
Your success not only lies in artistic achievement, but in demonstrating that inclusion, innovation, and excellence strengthen our community.
In the company’s own words, may you continue to “make loud, strong and unique dance theatre” for the next 35 years and beyond.