On the outside, the Holms brothers seem vastly different – the younger brother who at age 34 is bearded and very gregarious, and for most of his life, has been a dancer, while the older brother appears slightly more reserved and is thoughtful before he speaks, is a career police officer who also served in the U.S. Air Force.
But both Holms brothers share one unique passion — teaching the art and wonderment of dance, and instilling the passion for creativity to the next generation in Norwalk at the ballet school they co-founded in May called the Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet (NMYB).
A passion for bettering the arts community
Adams Holms, is NMYB’s artistic director while his brother, Christopher, an officer in the City of Norwalk and D.A.R.E instructor, serves as the executive director of the school. The brothers were raised in a close-knit family in Fairfield (there are three brothers in all), and through their new business, have woven together all of their passions, experiences and vocations to create a pre-professional program that connects art and dance to the greater community. Following the opening in the late spring and a successful inaugural summer season, Adam says the experience has generated a cross-pollination of synergy between he and his brother, and ignited an excitement for dance in the city and beyond its borders.
“This enthusiasm has spilled over into our family business. Our students and the NMYB charter families have come to us with the same great enthusiasm, joy, and a wonderful work ethic,” said Adam who now resides in Astoria, Queens. It’s a true family affair with Christopher’s wife Christina playing an integral role as the school’s artistic coordinator. She’s also an accomplished opera singer and voice coach.
History
Their studio is located at 327 Main Avenue in Norwalk. By popular demand, Adam said NMYB will offer Open Jazz class on Fridays in addition to full schedule of ballet classes which begin on September 8th. They will also have several En Pointe residencies in the elementary schools in Norwalk and in a handful of private schools in other towns.
Adam first fell in love with dance and performing when he was a teen and at age 16 was a scholarship student at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. After years of training and an accomplished professional career, Adam attended New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education, in conjunction with American Ballet Theatre, where he earned a Master of Arts in Ballet Pedagogy and Teaching Dance for the Professions. He’s also one of the lead outreach ballet instructors for the American Ballet Theatre’s Outreach Department.
“Over the years I have taught for other institutions and though I have been happy I have always felt there was something missing,” remarked Adam. “I am lucky to have a brother who shares my educational beliefs that the arts can change lives. Honestly, that was one of the biggest motivations to create a truly holistic and caring environment to share my 
love of dance in my own studio.”
Christopher, a Trumbull resident and a father of two young sons who also attend NMYB, spent several years studying martial arts and has a deep commitment to helping children better themselves. He sees the ballet school as an extension of his work as a police officer and community leader. Christopher also helps lead the Police Explorer program in Norwalk.
“As the D.A.R.E. Officer, I have had the opportunity to get to know all of the fifth graders in Norwalk,” said Christopher. “They constantly inspire me with their creativity and brilliant minds. At this point in my police career, I have found that my path has transformed to helping the youth of this city and therefore make the future of Norwalk a safer and more successful place to live.”