Nadia Adame: Dancing Beyond Limits
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the StageLync Podcast, host Anna Robb speaks with Nadia Adame—an actress, choreographer, award-winning dancer, and artistic director of AXIS Dance Company. Born and trained in Spain, Nadia’s journey spans flamenco, ballet, theatre, and film, all of which she continued to pursue even after sustaining a spinal cord injury at the age of 14. Through candid storytelling, she shares how she reclaimed her identity as a dancer and artist, and how she now uses her platform to champion inclusive and integrated dance. Check out this preview, and don’t miss the full episode next week!
What sparked your interest in performing arts, and how did your early training shape you?
I was always drawn to dance as a child. Flamenco was a big part of my family culture—my uncle played guitar and my grandfather sang. I started dancing on tables as a kid. Eventually, I began formal training at the Royal Conservatory in Madrid in both flamenco and ballet. The two are very different—ballet is all about lifting up, while flamenco is grounded and earthy—but together, they taught me discipline, musicality, and body awareness.
How did your spinal cord injury at age 14 affect your career path, and how did you continue dancing afterward?
After my accident, doctors told me I’d never dance again. I tried to believe them—I even thought of becoming a neurosurgeon—but I couldn’t give up dancing. At 18, I choreographed a show with friends that toured Spain, even though I wasn’t performing in it myself. Eventually, I moved to the U.S. for space and self-discovery. That led to university, where I earned a degree in theatre and continued exploring movement and performance through a different lens.
How did you re-enter professional dance, and what led you to AXIS Dance Company?
It wasn’t until I met Judy Smith, then Artistic Director of AXIS Dance Company, that I saw a path back into full-time dance. I auditioned in Berkeley, and before I even got back on the plane, she offered me a job. That was the turning point. AXIS was a place where I saw dancers like me—some using wheelchairs or crutches—redefining what dance could be. Now, years later, I’ve come full circle as Artistic Director of the same company.
What’s unique about the creative process at AXIS, combining disabled and non-disabled dancers?
It’s incredibly rich. We use something called “movement translation”—one dancer may perform something with their leg, while another may use an arm. The intention remains the same, even if the execution differs. This creates new ways of moving and thinking. The diversity of bodies leads to playful and often surprising choreographic results. It’s not just inclusive—it’s creatively expansive.
What advice do you have for marginalized artists who want to break into the industry?
Nadia: I keep a quote near my computer that says, “If something is important to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.” Whether it’s a lack of access, funding, or opportunity—there’s always a way to create. Collaborate, choreograph, perform in small spaces. AXIS started that way. If doors aren’t opening, find a window—or build your own door. And remember, it’s not just for you—it’s for those who come after you.
Key Insights from the Podcast
- Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Nadia’s spinal cord injury at 14 didn’t end her artistic journey—it reshaped it. Despite being told she could never dance again, she redefined what dance meant for her and others, proving that passion and creativity can transcend physical limitations. - Dance Is for Every Body
As Artistic Director of AXIS Dance Company, Nadia leads a pioneering company of disabled and non-disabled dancers. She emphasizes that beauty in movement comes from intention, not conformity, and that diverse bodies bring unique richness to the choreographic process. - Inclusion Must Be Intentional
While awareness of accessibility in the arts is growing, Nadia highlights the ongoing challenges disabled artists face—especially being confined to “accessible-only” festivals. Her work advocates for inclusion in all mainstream spaces, not just niche events. - Storytelling Through Movement and Words
With a background in theatre, film, and dance, Nadia explores the body as a storytelling tool beyond physical prowess. Whether through crutches, gestures, or silence, she believes performance is about honesty, connection, and presence. - “If It’s Important, You’ll Find a Way”
One of Nadia’s guiding mantras reflects her creative philosophy: if something matters to you deeply, you’ll make it happen. She encourages emerging artists—especially those facing marginalization—to create their own platforms, even if the industry hasn’t made space for them yet.
Main Image: Courtesy of Nadia Adame
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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