The ABC, Screen Australia and Screen NSW are thrilled to announce that production has started on Emma’s Dance Club, a brand-new children’s live action series created by beloved performer Emma Watkins and produced by Wooden Horse (Mother and Son) and Apricot Sea (Emma Memma).
When Emma debuts a new dance club in the delightful country town of Spudson, four local kids discover it’s more than just pirouettes and pop steps. Future-Prime Minister Madi, lovable wallflower Milo, clumsy pocket-rocket Albie and energetic style-queen Chika, soon discover that learning to dance is a little bit of magic and a whole lot of fun.
As this funny, feel-good series unfolds, Emma’s Dance Club becomes a community hub where the kids – and sometimes the grown-ups – boogie through life’s ups and downs together.
Emma’s Dance Club is directed by Guy Edmonds (Caper Crew) and Shari Sebbens (Top End Bub).
Emma Watkins, Director at Apricot Sea, said, “Bringing Emma’s Dance Club to life alongside such a talented team of Australian creatives has been an absolute privilege. Together, we have built a vibrant, joyful world centred on movement, friendship and genuine connection, created with love, not just for children, but for families everywhere.”
Jude Troy, Joint CEO, Wooden Horse, said, “Wooden Horse is thrilled to partner with Apricot Sea and the ABC to create a legacy brand in live action children’s television. Thanks to the enormously talented and charismatic Emma Watkins, this dance-forward comedy will fast become a family favourite with its grounded humour and a healthy dose of mischief. Directors Guy Edmonds and Shari Sebbens have gathered an incredible team, both on and off screen, to create this charming, aspirational world, showcasing a fabulous ensemble of kids and featuring some very exciting adult cameos.”
Melinda Wearne, ABC Head of Children & Family, said, “We’re excited to welcome Emma’s Dance Club to ABC Kids – a delightful new narrative preschool series led by the endlessly energetic and beloved Emma Watkins and introducing an incredible emerging cast of Australian kids. The series celebrates the joys of dancing, friendship and community. Full of optimism and enthusiasm, Emma’s Dance Club will have our audiences twirling, tapping and twisting their daily dilemmas away.”
Louise Gough, Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content, said, “Created by an award-winning local team and infused with the vibrancy of an Australian regional town, Emma’s Dance Club is unmistakably Australian. Emma Watkins’ magic is her unique ability to connect with our littlest audiences and their families. Emma’s Dance Club celebrates the joys of friendship and community through the wonder of song and dance.”
Kylie Munnich, Screen NSW Executive Director, said, “Emma’s Dance Club is an exciting new project from Emma Watkins, one of our most beloved performers, and features meaningful representation on screen, which children right across Australia will be able to connect with. Our state is fast becoming a hub for family-friendly screen production and Screen NSW is thrilled to support Wooden Horse as they expand into the children’s content space. I’m sure Emma’s Dance Club will be a series the entire family can enjoy together when it releases on ABC.”
Emma’s Dance Club will air on ABC Kids and ABC iview in 2027. Catch up on all of your favourite children’s programs on ABC iview now.
Production credit: Emma’s Dance Club is a Wooden Horse and Apricot Sea production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC. Financed in association with Screen NSW and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. International sales by ABC Commercial. Developed with assistance of the ABC and Australian Children’s Television Foundation.
For further information, contact Lidia Williams, ABC Publicity, on [email protected]
