Blue Wiggle Evie’s first steps in Cairns
A YOUNG Cairns woman who has just joined the Wiggles said she would never forget where her career started.
Evie Ferris, who was born in Cairns and did some of her school at St Andrew’s Catholic College in Redlynch, said the Far North was very special to her.
“It is where I discovered my passion and it is where I got my childhood experiences with my friends,” Ms Ferris said.
“I danced with my sister, my cousin and my friends. It was a wholesome time.”
Ms Ferris is one of four new Wiggles added to the line-up as the popular group tries to build greater cultural diversity.
The 24-year-old started dancing at a young age, with movement and music classes when she was three and ballet, jazz and contemporary classes when she was four.
Her first dance school was Centre Stage Dance Studios in Yorkeys Knob which was very special to her.
“This is where I experienced my first concert, eisteddfod and being on stage. That is where I fell in love with what I do,” Ms Ferris said.
She said the owner of Centre Stage Dance Studio, Sandra Kuhn, helped her on her journey to joining the Australian Ballet School and would come with her on some Melbourne trips.
Ms Ferris said the Australian Ballet School did masterclasses in Cairns, which was what got her involved.
At the age of 12, Ms Ferris followed her dream and moved to Melbourne to pursue dancing at the Australian Ballet School.
Years later, she is now part of the diverse brand of the new-look Wiggles.
She said it was an exciting
opportunity as she loved the Wiggles growing up and her first ever concert was the Wiggles in Cairns.
Ms Ferris said it was great to be an advocate and contribute to Fruit Salad TV, which is a Wiggles series expected to launch on their YouTube channel on September 4.
“I am super proud to be a part of it and represent my Aboriginal culture … to go towards the goal of creating a more inclusive and diverse future,” Ms Ferris said.
Even though the future is exciting, Ms Ferris still won’t forget home.
She said she hopes to come back to Cairns as soon as border rules allow.