"Hugs From Young Choreographers is an annual charity event held at the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance performance studio. A 34-year tradition at the studio, top level Roswell Dance Theatre Ballet Company members present three performances to benefit a charity of their choosing. This year, the dancers have chosen to raise money for the Foster Care Support Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves a vital and growing need throughout Georgia by providing free clothing, infant equipment, and developmental toys to thousands of children (ages newborn through teens) in foster and relative care in every county in Georgia. Audience-member donations at the door, sales at the HUGS boutique, and bids from an amazing silent auction all raise money for these hard-working dancers to donate to the recipient charity.

For the performances, each choreographer selects music, cast, and costumes to create an original masterpiece. In addition to leading rehearsals with their cast, the choreographers hand-decorate pointe shoes for sale at the HUGS boutique and work with the show’s Director Mary Lynn Taylor to polish the full-length performance presentation. HUGS allows our young people to showcase their talents to the public and show the community how effective young people can be when they join together to make an impact."