Emma Watkins, best known as the first female member of The Wiggles, has used her platform to champion inclusivity and support for the deaf community.
Emma’s journey as a performer, filmmaker and charity ambassador is a testament to her commitment to making the arts accessible to all.
It was her determination to merge dance with film that led her to pursue a Master of Media Practice and Industry at UTS. There, she found a supportive environment that nurtured her creative vision and helped her to develop the skills to achieve her goals.
Emma excelled in the program, discovering joy in creating videos and collaborating on projects with others which led to her role with The Wiggles. Since then, Emma has completed her Diploma of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and is currently studying for a PhD at Macquarie University, focusing on the artistic integration of sign language, dance and film editing.
Overcoming challenges
Emma’s career has not been without its challenges. She stresses the importance of resilience in the face of rejection and the subjective nature of the arts.
“You have to have really thick skin because we get rejected a lot.”
Working closely with others has taught Emma the value of interpersonal skills.
“Sometimes it’s not just about the skill; it’s about how well you get on with other people,” she says. This has been particularly significant in her former role with The Wiggles, where she spent a lot of time with her colleagues.
“You have to have really thick skin because we get rejected a lot. Sometimes it’s not just about the skill; it’s about how well you get on with other people.”
Emma Watkins
Performer and UTS graduate
Advocacy and collaboration
Emma’s advocacy for the deaf community extends beyond her performances. As an ambassador for StorySign, she helps translate written text into sign language, ensuring more children can enjoy song and dance.
Her commitment to inclusion is further demonstrated by her collaboration with deaf artists such as Elvin Lam and Sue Jo Wright, who have inspired her to use sign language creatively.
“For me, there’s always been a worry about stepping over the boundary or doing something inappropriate. But collaborating with these amazing deaf artists helped me relax for the first time in about 10 years.”
Looking ahead
Emma envisions a future where there is a more mindful approach to collaborating with communities, celebrating differences and learning from each other.
“In the next 10 years, I would like to see a much more mindful approach to working with communities, rather than talking about or tokenising them,” she says.
Emma Watkins’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, resilience and a commitment to inclusivity can create meaningful change. Through her work, she continues to inspire and advocate for a world where the arts are accessible.
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