The Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance was founded in 1979 by Roswell native Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz. During the last 27 years, the school has seen tremendous growth and moved to its present location to house the Open School students as well as the Roswell Dance Theatre, a non-profit performing company.
The programs at the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance are designed to meet the needs of any dancer ranging from preschool to advanced professional levels. The training provided can prepare any student who desires to pursue a career in the professional dance world. The emphasis is on dance as a rewarding, fulfilling experience within itself. High quality dance training benefits all students in the area of physical development, posture, poise and grace. Also, the intangible benefits of dance include (the development of) confidence, pride and discipline.
The Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance offers training in various techniques of dance with age appropriate classes. Each year of training provides consistent progress from the early basics to more advanced techniques. All students are afforded performing opportunities and, depending on their talents, the eventual option of membership in Roswell Dance Theatre. Participation in our annual “Nutcracker” production is through auditions held at the Tolbert Yilmaz studio in September of each year. Our open school students are also offered the opportunity to perform in the annual spring recital held in May. We invite you to visit us to learn more about the exceptional curriculum, faculty, and facility of the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance.
A number of our alumni have gone on to dance in college and professional companies, and the Tolbert Yilmaz family continues to grow with weddings, baby showers, openings, and premieres of our former dancers who still count each other as friends, colleagues, bridesmaids, and (fairy) godmothers.
Amanda Mountain (BA 2004) is in her first year of study toward a Masters of Divinity in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. “Tolbert Yilmaz gave me a strong technical base and the training and performance experience I needed in preparation for my further dance education and ultimately my professional career. The school also provided the rare opportunity to experiment with the realm of choreography at a young age–something I continue to appreciate. The teachers were nurturing and supportive as I grew up in the school from age 3 to 13.” After Tolbert Yilmaz, Amanda attended Interlochen Academy and Mercyhurst College, apprenticed with the Lake Erie Ballet and then danced with the Atlanta Festival Ballet and Charleston Ballet Theatre; Amanda also teaches at the studio when not studying.
Kelly Schmidt (BFA 2006) graduated Magna Cum Laude from Elon University; she now lives in New York and is pursuing musical theatre. Kelly danced in the Joffrey Ballet, Cleveland School of Ballet, and Brenau University summer programs; she feels “so grateful for the years at Tolbert Yilmaz–when I get discouraged I think of the Snow Queen rhinestone tiara and that white tutu and I know there will be more moments to sparkle.”
Michelle Wexler (BA 2007) graduates from the University of Georgia this spring and is currently dancing on a hip-hop dance team in Athens. “I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for the studio. I remember when I met Mrs. Mary at Dance Fashions to try on my first pair of pointe shoes; I feel blessed to have had wonderful teachers that still believe in me.”
Kelly Anne Browne (BA 2010) attends the University of Alabama; while dancing at Tolbert Yilmaz, she was accepted into summer programs at Joffrey Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Columbia City Ballet, and The Rock School. “Mrs. Mary taught me that tomorrow is not a promise—no matter what you are doing, whether it be dancing or talking on the phone, make the most of that moment. Her words taught me to really live every minute and not take the gift of life for granted.”
Director, Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz
Associate Director, Mary Lynn Taylor
Ballet Mistress, Tracey Yackello Bayly