Get to know Emma Memma ahead of her OBF Night Markets performance
Published on 27 August 2024
We’re so excited to have award-winning children’s performer Emma Memma gracing the stage at the OBF Night Markets on Saturday 7 September.
Adored by millions of children and their families worldwide, Emma Memma is known for dancing, singing and sign language during her shows.
The popular performer also has a special connection to The Hills Shire’s Orange Blossom Festival – read on to find out more.
Before you became globally recognised as Emma Wiggle, you starred in the Pippa the Orange Show in the 2005 edition of the Orange Blossom Festival (OBF). What are you looking forward to the most about coming back to The Hills to perform at this year’s OBF Night Markets?
It's certainly been a long time since I've seen Pippa the Orange and hence, looking forward to catching up with Pippa and seeing all the children dancing along to some of our new songs.
What can attendees expect from your performance?
The 'Emma Memma' show is always twirly, so expect to be twirling, dancing along, singing and joining in with BB Butterfly!!
The OBF Night Markets will also be full of tasty street food and delicious food trucks. If you had your own food truck, what food would you be serving?
What a great question! I would love to serve green tea ice cream, banana smoothies and cheese & spinach gozlemes!!
What made you interested in pursuing children’s entertainment, specifically aimed at children with disability? What inspired you to combine singing, dancing, and signing?
Emma Memma is for everyone and it highlights visual communication. Our Emma Memma shows and content provides multiple pathways for children to receive the information and participate. We have been inspired by the children, families and friends around us to integrate more sign language principles to support families who are using visual communication systems at home.
When did sign language become a passion of yours? How did you learn how to sign?
I grew up with deaf friends and started signing in primary school, but I finally took the course online during the pandemic and then completed by accreditation last year.
You are currently doing your PhD on integrating sign language with dance on screen. How do you balance study, performing as Emma Memma, and spending time with family and friends?
I have finally completed my PhD, earlier this year and so I thought things would calm down, but it's certainly become busier with 'Emma Memma'! We try and see our families when we are touring around, but for now, lots of Emma Memma fun. We can't wait to twirl with everyone!