In 1979, founders Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz and Mary Lynn Taylor opened the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance in a small house in North Atlanta. Anticipating only a few students their first year, they were amazed to enroll many more than that at the grand opening. Those early years kept them both busy taking turns teaching and answering non-stop telephone calls to register new students.

From those humble beginnings grew a program that has trained thousands of young dancers. After 38 years, the studio has over 1000 students, a resident performing arts company, 25 faculty and 10 staff members and several affiliated musicians. The school offers over 130 classes each week taught by dedicated professional instructors who have experience teaching across the USA and abroad. Special events combine with training and performances to keep the dancers’ calendars full year-round