Dianne Thurley

The creator of the Wiggerly Worm Dance Co, Dianne studied ballet, jazz and creative movement for 19 years, and has always loved to move to music.

Her enjoyment for her drama lessons mixed with dance started her on a journey to explore creative movement mixed with education that has never ceased, and culminated in the creation of the Wiggerly Worm Dance Company.

Besides the Wiggerly Worm dance Co., Dianne appeared weekly on the Early Bird Show on Channel 10 as a dancer and a judge for the Miss Victoria Beach Girl Quest.  As a fitness leader Dianne owned and operated various gymnasiums, incorporating dance studios to maintain her passion for teaching children.

Dianne believes that children should experience the wonderful feeling of movement through space by spinning, stretching, jumping and balancing. Children can learn to use music in order to gain strength, relax and as a sounding board to express their emotions.

“Over the past 30 years of performing the shows, I have been privileged to work with a broad range of children and have learnt from them all. I love seeing the joy that the children show at their accomplishments with movement and their delight with the topics of the numbers that are chosen for them, especially the dragon… I never tire of that one”

Katie-Jean Harding

A graduate of the Victorian Collage of the Arts, Katie-Jean started working alongside Wiggles the Worm eight years ago. Her passion for performance, strong background in creative movement and love of encouraging the imaginations of young minds has made it a perfect fit for working with the Wiggerly Worm Dance Company.

As a professional actress and theatre practitioner, Katie has been fortunate to have worked professionally with many of the leading performing arts organisations around Australia. Some highlights include mainstage and educational programs with the Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir, Arena Theatre Company and most recently Bell Shakespeare. Extensive touring has also allowed Katie-Jean the opportunity not only to explore the furthermost corners of Australia, but also to engage with remote communities and facilitate theatre and development workshops with various audiences. In addition, Katie-Jean has appeared in the feature films Belladonna and I Love You Too, and television productions Puberty Blues, City Homicide and Canal Road.

Katie-Jean is currently completing her Masters in Arts and Cultural Management at Deakin University.