Dance of the (International!) Sugar Plum Fairies
While The Nutcracker ballet is an iconic example of dance and music, it has also become a link between cultures thanks to Adam Holms and the Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet, along with a strong supporting cast. Adam, a Fairfield native and lifelong dancer, trained professionally in ballet and pedagogy at Butler University and New York University and has used his background to create a unique community in Fairfield County.
Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet is the brainchild of Adam and his husband, Max. Both felt the area needed a ballet theater company, so their studio offers dance instruction in classical, contemporary, and jazz, focusing on narrative storytelling. Since 2014, NMYB has fostered a community for dancers of all ages. While running the studio, Adam also trained as a Master Teacher, writing his thesis on creating contemporary dance curriculums, especially for boys. “These kids need options other than working on a banana plantation.” Once he received his Master's degree, Adam started traveling to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean to educate and train students and teachers in various genres of dance.
Ultimately, Adam and NMYB formed three sister dance schools in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Haiti. The schools now boast over 100 students and the benefits are far-reaching. In addition to hosting students from Haiti for an international dance competition, dancers from the three schools visit in the summer for dance instruction programs. Most recently, Adam coordinated a unique performance of The Nutcracker this past December, including two students from Ecuador and four from Costa Rica. Auditions and rehearsals took place via Zoom -- a daunting task, to say the least. In early December, the students traveled to Connecticut to rehearse with their American counterparts and prepare for their special performance on December 10 and 11 at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet Artistic Director Adam Holms.
All Photo Credits: Paola Benedetto
“This incredible experience wouldn’t have been possible without the support and kindness of several generous sponsors,” Adam explains. “My friend, Helene Daly, heard about the multi-national show and offered to subsidize the cost of outfitting the dancers in costumes and pointe shoes in conjunction with her company, Compass Fairfield. Fitting dancers for pointe shoes is an intricate process and not readily available in other countries, so Helene’s help was essential.”
The joy Helene experienced as the dancers received their new gear was a gift of its own.” Helene shares that “divine intervention” inspired her to support Adam’s efforts. “Empowering young women and giving them opportunities felt like a meaningful way to contribute to a special community of dancers.” Another key player was Kristin Ruggieri, who Adam calls “another guardian angel.” As the owner of Attitudes Dance and Activewear, a Norwalk-based retail store, and a dancer herself, Kristin was thrilled to support the NMYB performance of The Nutcracker, a ballet she danced in as well. “I was happy to give back to our community and give young dancers a special opportunity.” Kristin was crucial in helping fit the dancers with pointe shoes and was impressed with the visiting students. “Interacting with young dancers has always been one of my favorite parts of the business. The students from NMYB’s sister schools were all so gracious and kind, and immaculately prepared.”
Kristin Ruggieri, Owner of Attitude Dance & Active Wear in Norwalk, fitted all visiting NMYB international dancers for pointe shoes.
Costa Rican ballerina showcasing her newly fitted pointe shoes.
The dancers from all three countries bonded on and off the stage. Relationships formed in the studio and in the homes of the families who hosted the visitors. Adam even led a trip to New York City to see the beloved sites, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, “It was wonderful how the American kids gained a new appreciation for the cultural opportunities where they live through the eyes of the visiting dancers. In the end, the kids became modern-day pen pals, staying in touch through social media,” Adam notes.
Although this year’s performance of The Nutcracker was a special opportunity for the dancers from Ecuador and Costa Rica, Adam feels the experience benefitted the local students, as well.
“We are using dance to teach kids that the world is much bigger than Fairfield County. Seeing the students work together makes my heart happy!”
NMYB Artistic Director Adam Holms and Helene Daly of Compass Fairfield
Helene smiles with dancers from Costa Rica and Ecuador!
What’s ahead for the Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet?
Save the date for these events:
Midwinter Contemporary Dance Concert
February 25, 2023
6pm at the Wall Street Theater, Norwalk, CT
The Secret Garden, an NMYB original production
June 3, 2023
Visit www.nmyb.org for details about the studio’s current class schedule and Summer Intensives program which will include visiting dancers from Ecuador and Costa Rica. Follow them on social media for Adam’s next collaborations with NMYB’s sister schools!
