Having trained at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, he moved to London at 17 to join Sadler's Wells Ballet and, later, the Metropolitan Ballet,.

Adams, together with Lois Smith (his first wife) were among the first dancers to join the National Ballet in 1951 where he also choreographed a number of works. Adams had previously danced alongside Celia Franca, NBC's founder, while at the Metropolitan Ballet.

Adams is remembered for his performances in Swan Lake, Giselle and Coppélia with the Royal Ballet in the 1970s, where he danced alongside the likes of Margot Fonteyn and Natalia Makarova. He gave his last performance in 1978 with the Alberta Ballet.

Adams leaves his wife Meredith, daughter Emily as well as ex-wife Lois Smith and daughter Janine.