If there was one thing could keep the delightful Emma Watkins in Tasmania, apart from the wildlife and the amazing food, it could be the chocolate, Anvers Chocolate in particular, that might do it. When I admit I haven’t tried Anvers, the self-confessed chocolate connoisseur says emphatically, I must try it.
Watkins is returning to Tassie (and perhaps Anvers too!) this weekend with her new Emma Memma show ‘Dance Island Party’.
Watkins foray into dance began with ballet, but due to an injury, she says that trajectory’ sadly didn’t eventuate, but it opened a new pathway when she auditioned for ‘The Wiggles’, a role, which was ‘less dance intensive’ but was intense in another way creating intense popularity for the first female Wiggle.
Moving into the present and Watkins has developed the character of Emma Memma. It has been a major investment and Watkins tells me her whole life has led to this point.
As well as being entertaining Emma Memma demonstrates the integration of music, dance and sign language. All elements together, feed off each other, with the music supporting the choreography, supporting the sign language. This provides a multiplicity of accessible entry points for children, as they find the one or more form of expression to respond to and communicate through, whether it be song, dance, sign language, facial expressions or all forms. Watkins says it wouldn’t work without the collaboration of her team including Elvin Melvin.
During school holidays such as these, Watkins visits libraries, schools and community halls and she is always preparing for the next set of concerts.
If that doesn’t keep Watkins busy enough, she and her sister Haley have some exciting news in their upcoming partnership with Disney where they will promote family values particularly the relationship of sisters.
Watkins will be bringing Emma Memma to Tasmania on the following dates and venues:
Saturday 19 July Launceston, The Tramsheds Function Centre 10:00
Sunday 20 July Hobart, Theatre Royal three shows 10:00. 12.30 and 14.30
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