Logline

They came to dance — but what they found was confidence, connection, and the courage to dream out loud.

Synopsis

In the heart of a New York City community, a unique dance company becomes a sanctuary where young dreams take root and resilience is born.
Dancing with Waves is a vibrant and intimate short documentary that follows a group of young urban dancers as they transform not only their bodies but also their lives through the art of movement.

Under the fierce and compassionate guidance of Tammi Judge — a dancer turned mentor — these youth step into the dance world uncertain and emerge with a newfound sense of purpose, courage, and identity. From the first tentative steps at rehearsals to the electric energy of a live NYC performance, the film captures the struggles, doubts, friendships, and personal triumphs that unfold both on and off the stage.

Told through raw interviews and fly-on-the-wall rehearsal footage, Dancing with Waves pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to develop youth through performance art — and how dance can offer a lifeline to creativity, confidence, and a sense of family to those most vulnerable young people.

In a world increasingly dominated by people staring into bright screens, socializing is becoming a digital experience. Sadly, as a result, more and more young people live in a mostly isolated world. This documentary is a rallying cry for real connections, self-expression, and the transformative power of the performing arts. Dancing with Waves reminds us that when young people are given the stage — and trusted to find their voice — they don’t just perform; they soar.

Movie Trailer

Team

Emmitt H Thrower

Director

Emmitt is the Founder of Wabi Sabi Productions Inc., a small Bronx not-for-profit. He is a retired NYC Police Officer as well as an accomplished, award-nominated actor. Emmitt is a disabled, multi-award-winning filmmaker renowned for his thought-provoking documentaries, which illuminate pressing social issues with nuance and empathy. His dedication to shedding light on underrepresented voices has earned him accolades, including "The Independent Spirit Award” in culture and a plethora of other film awards worldwide.

Article - Filmmaker - Scorpius Magazine

Wabi Sabi Productions Inc.

Michael H Thrower

Director of Photography

Graduated Manhatten Community College with a BA in video arts and technology. Recipient of numerous film awards for his editing and camera work. Film/Video Editor at Fox News, Fox and Friends. .

Editing Reel

Tammi Judge

Founder New Wave Dance Company

Received her MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and her BA from Baruch College. She has been involved with the arts since the age of six years old. Her background consists of dancing and gymnastics. Wabi Sabi Productions work in allowing our youth and young adults to express themselves through art and community involvement is also my pasion.

Article - New Wave Dance Youth and *Ms Tammi"

New Wave Dance Youth and Community Development

Featured Clip and Scene

Email me for password protected SCREENER - et34888@aol.com - Emmitt

Directors Statement

Creating film, for me, is the revolutionary process of communicating ideas and concepts that remind us that we are human. As humans, we all differ, but at the same time, we share a common humanity.

Our views of the world are formed by our personal experiences. that moves us forward towards a better understanding of the world we live in.

We escape the confines of our own skin by exploring our world through open eyes and taking on new challenges. This allows us to view our environment in broad and exciting new ways. We are reshaping who we are and uncovering the true nature of our relationships.

When we are acting outside the confines of our personal histories it encourages us to grow. Changing our point of view can reveal original ideas and concepts. So that we are able to develop a deeper understanding of who we are as a community.

My film work revolves around breaking down old boundaries and actively contributing to an ever-evolving view of ourselves. I am a storyteller using images, words, and sounds to explore our stories of failures and successes.

I do it all from a uniquely different angle that is based on my own worldviews, my own limitations, and my own life choices. My films may at first seem familiar but by digging deeper you will uncover the uniqueness, impactfulness, and sometimes outrageousness. The films however always remain entertaining.

I aspire to teach about the diminishing art of human interaction. We are as a society losing our grip on the value of real human interactions. I want to break us out of our technology-based relationships and return us to real human personal interactions.

Films remind us that the life stories that we each are living are not pre-written or old reruns. They are original scripts that we can edit and re-work in a way so as to steer the outcome towards our true desires and passions.