Recorded on October 18, 2026. EPISODE SUMMARY Nate Fadear joins Menina Fortunato to explore what it takes to build a dance career that keeps evolving. A Canadian choreographer, performer, educator, adjudicator, and host, Nate shares his journey from a small-town studio in Salmon Arm to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies, Princess Cruises, television sets, and animated Barbie films. Starting dance at 12, Nate found confidence through teachers and industry professionals who believed in him. He explains how teaching helped support his move to Vancouver, how cruise ship contracts sharpened his versatility, and why relationships formed early in your career can lead to opportunities years later. He also shares what changes when you move from live performance to the unpredictable pace of film and television. The conversation takes an emotional turn as Nate reflects on two Achilles ruptures and the challenge of reimagining his identity when performing became difficult. Through choreography, adjudicating, teaching, and creating his own shows, he discovered new ways to contribute to the industry he loves. This episode is for aspiring professional dancers, dance parents, and working artists navigating change. From motion capture to building demo reel material and choosing classes intentionally, Nate offers a reminder that a meaningful career in dance can take more than one shape. SHOW NOTES (00:00) – Welcome to The Business of Dance(00:50) – Meet Nate Fadear and his career highlights(03:01) – Small-town beginnings and starting dance at 12(06:14) – The Olympic opportunity that changed his direction(09:39) – Moving to Vancouver and earning through teaching(12:18) – Princess Cruises and learning on the job(20:05) – Transitioning from live shows to film and television(25:06) – Nate’s experience with union and non-union work(29:11) – Achilles injuries, identity, and finding another path(34:31) – Creating opportunities beyond performing(39:31) – Barbie choreography and the motion-capture process(44:40) – Dancer Q&A: screen work, auditions, and experience(50:34) – Choosing classes and building connections with intention(54:49) – Staying curious and showing up authentically ABOUT NATE FADEAR Nate Fadear is a Canadian choreographer, educator, performer, adjudicator, and host based in Vancouver, British Columbia. His career spans film and television, live performance, commercial projects, conventions, competitions, and dance education. His performance credits include the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies, three contracts with Princess Cruises, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Riverdale, The Flash, and Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. As a choreographer, Nate has created work for recording artists and commercial clients including Dear Rouge, HomeGoods, Lenovo, and Mattel. His Mattel credits include Barbie Mermaid Power, Barbie & Stacie to the Rescue, and Barbie & Teresa: Recipe for Friendship. Beyond performing and choreographing, he brings more than 15 years of experience to teaching, adjudicating, and hosting. A certified yoga instructor, he incorporates movement, breath, and body awareness into his approach to dance education. His work reflects a commitment to versatility, connection, and helping dancers see the possibilities within a lasting career. CONNECT WITH NATE FADEAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natefadear/ CONNECT WITH THE BUSINESS OF DANCE Website: https://www.bizofdance.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebizofdance/ Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a dancer navigating their next chapter.