Hugs From Young Choreographers is an annual charity event held in the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance Performance Studio. Top level Roswell Dance Theatre Ballet Company members present three performances to benefit a charity of their choosing. Each Choreographer selects music, cast, and costumes to create an original masterpiece. 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.

We do not sell tickets to our HUGS shows – instead we kindly request that each audience member make a donation in lieu of their ticket as they enter the show. (Suggested $10 per adult, $5 per child…but any amount is truly appreciated.)

THE 2025 CHARITY

This year, the dancers will use their time and athletic abilities to raise money for Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Through a network of over 1,200 program locations, Blessings in a Backpack leverages their collective experience to ensure effective and efficient programming. With the help of volunteers and donations, they strive to end weekend hunger in many communities. LEARN MORE about Blessings in a Backpack and the amazing services they provide.

HUGS BOUTIQUE

Along with the original choreographic works, please visit our HUGS Boutique with items for sale at all three performances to raise additional money for the charity. Our younger dancers always look forward to previewing the wide collection of hand-decorated pointe shoes made by the choreographers and picking at least one special one to take home as a keepsake.

The HUGS 2025 boutique will be open Saturday Sept 6 and Sunday Sept 7 in the main lobby during our HUGS shows.

HUGS SILENT AUCTION

HUGS fundraising efforts also include an amazing silent auction each year. Auction items will be on display in our main lobby during all HUGS shows, and bidding will be done online again this year. There will be so many auction baskets – Mrs. Mary’s home-baked treats, private lessons with a favorite teacher, and much much more!

*To bid in our auction you must create an account on the auction website.

Auction winners may pick up items from the TYSOD Studio Cafe. To access the cafe, please use the stairs in the breezeway next to Bigby Coffee.
Pickup times:

• Monday Sept. 8 from 4-6pm
• Tuesday Sept. 9 from 4-6pm
• Wednesday Sept. 10 from 5-7pm
• Friday Sept. 12 from 3-5pm
• Or Contact Us to make arrangements for an alternate pickup time.

ALL WINNERS MUST CLAIM THEIR ITEMS BY SUNDAY SEP. 14

ALL WINNERS MUST CLAIM THEIR ITEMS BY SUNDAY SEPT 14 (except Mrs. Mary’s baked goods – see specific auction item listings for pickup info). THERE IS NO SHIPPING. All unclaimed items will be donated.

ALL proceeds will go to Blessings in a Backpack.