LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil has been wowing Las Vegas crowds for years, but behind the spotlight is the story about how one Las Vegas local made his dreams come true on this stage.
Under the lights of the Las Vegas Strip, where performers from all over the world come to chase a dream, one dancer is doing something rare: performing in his hometown.
Nickolas Martinez was born and raised in Las Vegas. Since he could remember, he’s been working and training towards one dream: performing for Cirque du Soleil.
“I started dancing when I was 4 in just my living room. I used to watch YouTube videos, and then all of a sudden, my parents were like, we need to put them into some dance classes,” Martinez said.
International cast with local talent
Martinez said performing with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas is particularly special because most cast members are not from the city.
“Especially with Cirque du Soleil, there’s many people from all around the world. And this is a residency in Vegas. Most people are not from Vegas that get to dance in a show like this,” he said.
After many long days and nights spent practicing, he got the call he’s been waiting for his whole life.
“As you can see, I have a smile on my face just because it’s super exciting to just be in the show,” Martinez said.
Overcoming challenges
As a Latino male dancer, Martinez said the road to his dream came with added pressure.
“Growing up, I know a lot of people who have quit dance because of the hard things they had to go through, all the bullying. I went through that as well,” he said.
Martinez said that through it all, the support from his family never wavered, especially from his mom.
“I love you, Mom. Thank you for, you know, supporting me in this dream of mine,” he said.
His mom Lynette Martinez posted Nickolas’ story on the Facebook group Latina Moms of Las Vegas. As the post gained traction, she said she just wanted the Latino community to know dreams come true, and her son is proof of that.
“She’s a strong, strong woman. So having her be there was very nice for me to know that there is something that I can get from this,” Martinez said.
From the community to one of Las Vegas’ grandest stages, it’s a full circle moment played out night after night.
Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil has shows Tuesday through Saturday at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
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