Emma Watkins

A renowned children’s entertainer and creative leader in accessible visual communication. Combining her love of dance, film, and sign language, Emma has become one of Australia’s most beloved and influential performers in children’s media.

Beginning her performance career at the age of three, Emma trained in ballet, tap, contemporary, hip-hop and Irish dance at The McDonald College for Performing Arts and ED5 International in Sydney. She later discovered her passion for storytelling through film editing, studying at Sydney Film School before completing a Master of Media Arts and Production at UTS. After performing internationally across France, India, Canada, China and New Zealand, Emma joined the iconic Australian children’s group The Wiggles in 2010, becoming the first-ever female Wiggle.

Emma’s creative work is deeply informed by her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. A fluent Auslan communicator, she holds Diplomas in both Auslan and Interpreting from Deaf Connect and recently completed her PhD at Macquarie University, exploring the intersection of sign language, dance, and film editing.

In 2023, Emma launched her new children’s entertainment venture, Emma Memma (produced by Apricot Sea), which celebrates communication through movement, music, and sign language. The show—featuring Emma and Deaf dancer and artist Elvin Lam (Elvin Melvin)—received the 2023 ARIA Award for Best Children’s Album and continues to tour nationally and internationally.

Her advocacy extends beyond entertainment. In 2023, Emma was appointed to the Australian Government’s Early Years Strategy advisory board, shaping policy for children’s services and family wellbeing. In 2024, she received the Tina Arena Special Impact Award at the Australian Women in Music Awards.

Emma’s broad appeal has seen her expand into television and brand partnerships, appearing on The Amazing Race (Paramount, 2023 – winner), The Masked Singer (Paramount, 2022), LEGO Masters (Nine, 2022), and hosting ABC’s Teenage Boss: Next Level (2024–2025). She has also narrated ABC’s Reef School (2023), joined the cast of Top Gear Australia (BBC, 2024), launched a toddler and mum apparel line with Disney and Big W, and became an ambassador for LEGO Australia.

Through all her creative ventures, Emma continues to champion inclusivity and joyful self-expression, inspiring children and families to connect through the universal languages of movement, music, and meaning.