DANCE. FILM. SIGN LANGUAGE.
A message from Emma
After 11 years of performing with The Wiggles, and nine of those as the Yellow Wiggle, the time has come for me to pass the yellow skivvy on.
Like many people around the world, the pandemic has given me time to reflect on what is important in life. For me that means spending more time at home, something that I didn’t realise I was missing out on being away 8 months of the year on tour, but something that I have really cherished over the last 18 months. I am also really looking forward to devoting more time and energy on completing my PhD that incorporates my ongoing passion for sign language, dance & film editing and to having more time to work with the Deaf community.
I am eternally grateful to The Wiggles for giving me the amazing opportunity to be the first female Wiggle, a role that I have loved and one that has brought me so much joy & an abundance of bowtiful memories that I will treasure forever.
As The Wiggles continue to evolve and someone new now steps into the yellow skivvy, I look forward to seeing children and families embrace them, just as I was when I began. I wish The Wiggles much continued success as they continue to delight children all over the world.
About Emma
Dancer and filmmaker Emma Watkins began her performance career early from the age of 3 nurturing her love of dance and movement performing ballet, Irish, hip-hop, tap and contemporary dance.
Emma studied at The McDonald College for the Performing Arts, Sydney Film School, ED5 International and at the University of Technology Sydney completing her Masters in Media Arts and Communication.
Emma has been passionate about sign language and raising awareness of Australia's Deaf community since she was young, having grown up with her best friend having two Deaf brothers. Ever since, Emma pursued studying sign language, completing her Diploma of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) at The Deaf Society NSW.
Over the last two decades, Emma has developed a high level of skill using expressive effort in movement. Emma hopes to continue to improve the access for the Deaf community and those who use sign language, in her own personal research projects.
“ You never know where the dance of life will take you. But it is a dance, so join in, have fun and be present”
Work with Sign Language
Emma has been passionate about sign language and raising awareness of Australia's deaf community since she was young, having grown up with her best friend having two deaf brothers. Ever since, Emma pursued studying sign language, completing her Diploma of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and currently studying a PhD at Macquarie University in Sydney, focusing on the affective, artistic integrations of sign language, dance and film editing.
Over the last two decades, Emma has developed a high level of skill using expressive effort in movement. Emma hopes to continue to improve the access for the Deaf community and those who use sign language through her own personal research projects.
Follow Emma on Instagram
