Adult Hip Hop started organically. Parents watching their children dance began noticing the joy, the confidence, the release happening inside those studio walls. Eventually, someone asked the question: Why can’t we do that too?
“Adult Hip Hop classes started at our studio after the parents saw how much fun their younger children were having in class,” founder Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz explains. “You can join with whatever skill level you have and the fun never ends. This is now one of our most popular classes."
“I started teaching adult hip hop roughly 10 years ago,” instructor Pumkin Byrd shares. “It started out as a space for parents to come and release, work out and enjoy without having to compete with teenagers… it grew into something much greater!"
What began with six moms has grown into two full classes, capped at 18 dancers each, now a mix of men and women from all walks of life. These dancers don’t just take class. They perform in the annual recital in full costume, and spots fill quickly each season.
Pumkin, who trained in hip hop and jazz and traveled the world as a background dancer for major artists, brings professional choreography into a welcoming, judgment-free space.
“It has truly been a blessing to not only teach the kiddos ages 6–18 years, but for Mrs. Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz to graciously allow space for the adults to ‘get their groove on,’” she says. “It’s been a highlight in my career.”
The culture of the class is what keeps people coming back.
Nicholas Porche admits it pushes him. “Hip Hop is challenging. It’s outside of my comfort zone. But if we don’t challenge ourselves, we cannot grow! The group of dancers are supportive and make you feel at home.”
Support is a common theme.
Christy Abrams calls it her weekly reset. “Hip Hop is the one thing I do for myself each week that I look forward to more than anything else… it’s therapy, laughter, movement and joy. It’s just true self care! Also, after class on parent watch day, my 13-year-old came up to me and said, ‘Mom, you just looked so happy!’ (which makes me think I need to put on some Missy Elliott and dance in the kitchen more!).”
For Urvi Patel, the experience has created connection across generations. “As a strictly jazz square dancer learned from musical theater 30 years ago, this class has been a great way to connect with my dancer daughters. This is my 5th season and every year I'm astonished at how much I learn from our teacher and my fellow dancers.”
Even seasoned professionals find meaning in the room.
Kat Slatery, a professional breaker and hip hop dancer, says, “Training has always been at the core of who I am. Learning from pioneers and the culture itself since my early teens shaped my foundation, but taking adult hip hop at Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance brings me back to my ‘why.’”
“Dancing alongside parents and fellow adults who choose joy in the middle of full lives is powerful. It’s a safe, ego free space to grow, sweat, and stay inspired. As a working actor, continuing to train keeps me grounded, creatively sharp, and emotionally connected.”
She adds, “Pumkin and I have been friends for years in the industry, and her choreography challenges me without creating competition in the room, allowing me to stay present and fully express myself through movement.”
That absence of competition is intentional. The focus is growth, not comparison.
Kristen Taylor, who takes both adult tap and hip hop, appreciates the commitment. “Everyone is serious about showing up to dance, and supportive of each other in class and in the group chat. It’s a welcoming, convivial group of dancers I look forward to seeing every week.”
Another dancer shares that she loves the positive environment where everyone cheers each other on and celebrates each other’s gifts. After ignoring her inner dancer for 30 years, she says this class allows her to let that part of herself out again in a safe, joyful space. Thursday nights have become something she truly looks forward to.
What’s happening at TYSOD goes beyond choreography.
In a season of life filled with careers, carpools, and commitments, choosing to dance can feel indulgent, but it quickly becomes essential. It’s loud music after long meetings. It’s sweat after stress. It’s remembering who you are outside of responsibility.
Nancy Tolbert Yilmaz’s decision to open the studio to adults reflects a simple philosophy: dance belongs to everyone. In addition to Adult Hip Hop, TYSOD offers adult ballet, tap, and Pilates, creating space for movement at every stage of life.
But Adult Hip Hop holds a special kind of energy. It’s bold. It’s expressive. It’s empowering.
On recital night, when the lights dim and the music drops, the audience doesn’t see hesitation. They see adults who chose joy. Who chose growth. Who chose to show up.
And perhaps that’s the most powerful choreography of all. Stepping back into something that makes you feel alive.
Adult Dance at TYSOD
Adult Hip Hop at Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance has grown from one class of six moms to two full classes of 18 dancers each. The studio also offers adult ballet, tap, and Pilates proving it’s never too late to move, grow, and rediscover joy.