---
title: "Creating a Safe Space for Every Child: Song, Dance and Joy at Canada’s Largest Fair"
description: Emma Memma brings inclusive children’s entertainment to Toronto and Edmonton – sign language with music and dance – on 12 and 15–19 August at Indigo and CNE.
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2025-09-30T09:39:00.000Z
updated: 2026-02-26T15:51:56.521Z
canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/creating-a-safe-space-for-every-child-song-dance-and-joy-at-canada-s-largest-fair
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/b0f08054-10d5-4d9a-899d-b39fa8a3f36d.jpg
categories: Philanthropic Minds
content_type: News
region: Ontario
publication: Rich Woman Magazine
---

Children across Canada are practising their best twirls and favourite sign language gestures as Emma Memma prepares to bring her rainbow-bright world of inclusive entertainment to Toronto and Edmonton this August. The anticipation is building among families who remember her joyful debut at last year’s Santa Claus Parade – and this time, she’s bringing the full Emma Memma experience to live stages.

Emma Memma, the creation of Emma Watkins (formerly the first female Yellow Wiggle), brings something different to children’s entertainment. Where traditional kids’ shows focus solely on singing and dancing, Emma Memma weaves Australian Sign Language (Auslan) seamlessly into every song, creating performances where children of all abilities can participate fully.

The importance of inclusive entertainment reaches well beyond simple accessibility measures. In Canada, there’s growing recognition that children’s cultural events should welcome everyone. [Professional theatres increasingly offer sign language interpretation](https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/inclusive-and-accessible-family-experiences-ontario), venues provide sensory-friendly guides and quiet spaces, and festivals implement policies ensuring children with disabilities can participate alongside their peers.

Emma Memma’s approach is about integration rather than accommodation. When children see sign language as part of the performance rather than an add-on, it normalises visual communication and creates genuine inclusion. Like the [confidence-building activities at summer sports camps](https://richwoman.co/article/summer-beyond-the-screen-how-sports-camps-help-kids-grow-make-friends-and-build-real-confiden), her shows invite every child to participate fully – singing, dancing and signing together.

## From Santa’s Parade to Summer Stages

Emma Watkins’ Canadian connection began during [her debut at Toronto’s 2024 Santa Claus Parade](https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/critters-dancing-food-and-an-ex-wiggle-draw-a-crowd-at-santa-claus-parade/article_af6044f8-a9a9-11ef-bfdf-8f7ce2c392df.html), where she performed from her custom Butterfly Bus float and met families at the milk and cookies zone. The warm response from Canadian families clearly made an impression.

‘Ever since we felt the love from everyone at the Santa Claus Parade last year, we’ve been so excited to return to Canada! The warmth and energy from families was unforgettable – and can’t wait to share more of our new music, dancing and sign language with our Canadian friends!’ she says.

That parade appearance led to this summer’s much-anticipated live performances, bringing Emma Memma’s full theatrical experience to Canadian audiences for the first time.

## Where to Find the Magic

A ‘fully accessible experience’ means more than physical accommodation. [Canadian children’s festivals increasingly provide](https://ottawachildrensfestival.ca/inclusion/) assistive devices, service animal accommodations, and inclusive policies ensuring fair participation. Emma Memma’s shows take this further by making visual communication central to the entertainment itself, creating an environment where signing isn’t special accommodation – it’s part of the fun everyone shares.

Emma Watkins’ approach isn’t accidental. [Her PhD research specifically explores integrating sign language, dance and music](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-29/emma-watkins-new-show-emma-memma-for-deaf-children/101797566) in children’s media, addressing the lack of Deaf representation in entertainment. This academic foundation shapes every Emma Memma performance, ensuring authenticity in her inclusive approach.

Her work recognises that children learn through multiple modes of communication, and visual communication can be particularly powerful for young audiences. By making sign language integral to songs and dances rather than supplementary, she creates media that truly serves children of all abilities while normalising diverse communication for everyone. Much like how [modern summer camps focus on child development](https://richwoman.co/article/summer-camps-designed-to-give-her-the-break-she-deserves-and-boost-child-development-across-c), her performances prioritise meaningful participation over passive entertainment.

This summer offered Canadian families the chance to experience Emma Memma’s world firsthand at these specially designed accessible events. Whether at the bustling CNE Kids World Stage or the intimate West Edmonton Mall meet-and-greet, children can discover entertainment that celebrates their individuality while bringing everyone together.

In Emma Memma’s colourful universe, every child belongs, every movement matters and every sign creates connection. It’s entertainment where inclusion isn’t just welcomed – it’s woven into every song, dance and moment of joy.