Nick Pauley, known professionally as "Dancepool," is a Los Angeles-based professional dancer and choreographer born on January 8, 1995, who rose to global fame as Ryan Reynolds' dance double in the record-breaking Marvel blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine (2024).
Nick Pauley is one of the most talked-about dancers of the last two years — and for good reason. He performed the iconic NSYNC "Bye Bye Bye" opening sequence that millions of fans thought was Ryan Reynolds himself.
He earned a BA in World Arts and Cultures/Dance from UCLA. He has built a TikTok following of over 572,000. And he did it all starting from a Bay Area dance studio at age 10. Here is everything you need to know about Nick Pauley in 2026 — facts, career, net worth, and more.
Nick Pauley Quick Bio Facts (2026)
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Nicholas F. Pauley |
| Stage Name | Dancepool |
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1995 |
| Age (2026) | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Bay Area, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Education | BA, World Arts and Cultures/Dance — UCLA |
| Profession | Dancer, Choreographer, Actor |
| Agency | BlocLA (Los Angeles) |
| TikTok | @nickfpauley — 572,000+ followers |
| Known For | Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) as Dancepool |
| Net Worth (2026) | $600,000–$900,000 (estimated) |
| Relationship Status | Private |
Who Is Nick Pauley? The Full Story
Nick Pauley is not your average background dancer. He is a trained, credentialed, and commercially successful choreographer who spent over a decade building the skill set that eventually landed him on one of the biggest movie screens in the world.
He started dancing at age 10 in the Bay Area, learning Hip-Hop, House, Jazz, Waacking/Voguing, and Ballet. By 15, he had already joined The Academy of Villains — a professional hip-hop company — where he competed, performed at Knott's Berry Farm, and appeared on America's Got Talent.
That foundation shaped everything that followed.
Want to know how someone goes from a Bay Area studio to a Marvel film? It takes about 20 years of daily work — and one very lucky phone call.
Nick Pauley's Career Timeline
Early Life and Dance Training (2005–2013)
- Age 10: Begins formal dance training in the Bay Area
- Age 15: Joins The Academy of Villains professional hip-hop company
- 2010–2012: Wins VIBE Championship with the Villains
- Performs at resident shows at Knotts Berry Farm and Studio City Macau
- Appears on America's Got Talent as part of the Academy of Villains ensemble
UCLA and Professional Breakthrough (2013–2019)
- Earns a Bachelor of Arts in World Arts and Cultures/Dance from UCLA — one of the top dance programs in the United States
- Choreographs and performs at UCLA's Spring Sing — held in Pauley Pavilion, a 10,000-seat arena
- Works as a professional dancer with Katy Perry (Chained to the Rhythm music video, 2017) and Nicki Minaj
- Choreographs for Pepsi Co., Alex Aiono, and Larry June
- Joins faculty at Broadway Dance Center (New York/Los Angeles)
- Acts in The Prom (2020 Netflix film directed by Ryan Murphy)
The Deadpool Era (2024–Present)
- Receives a call from his agent while visiting his parents — asking him to tape his NSYNC "Bye Bye Bye" routine for a "huge" audition
- Gets 30 minutes to nail the choreography originally created by Darrin Henson
- Lands the role of Dancepool — Ryan Reynolds' dance double in the opening sequence of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
- The film becomes one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of all time
- His TikTok post about the role receives 4.6 million likes
- Reaches 572,000+ TikTok followers and 17.7M total likes as of 2026
- Listed on IMDb as Nicholas Pauley; represented by BlocLA talent agency
For similar career breakdowns of dancers turned mainstream stars, see the Joey Gaydos Jr. biography on Big Write Hook.
Nick Pauley's Height and Physical Stats
This is one of the most-searched questions about Nick — and most sites leave it completely blank.
Based on visual comparisons from his performance footage, on-set appearances alongside Ryan Reynolds (6 ft 2 in), and his BlocLA professional profile:
- Estimated Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Estimated Weight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
- Build: Athletic and lean — consistent with a professional hip-hop and commercial dancer
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
Why does height matter for a dance double? Because studios need performers whose body proportions match the lead actor's frame closely enough for camera work. Nick's physical build aligns well with Reynolds' movement style — which is why the illusion worked so convincingly on screen.
How Did Nick Pauley Get Cast as Dancepool?
This is the story everyone wants — and it is genuinely remarkable.
Nick was at his parents' house when his talent agent called. The brief? Record a tape of his NSYNC "Bye Bye Bye" routine. The opportunity? Described only as "huge." Nick had 30 minutes to film and submit the tape.
He did not know he was auditioning for a Marvel film.
The choreography he performed was the original routine created by Darrin Henson — the choreographer behind NSYNC's iconic late-90s moves. Nick had clearly practiced this routine well before the call came, which is why he could deliver it on short notice.
The gamble paid off. He was cast as Dancepool — a Wade Wilson variant who dances instead of fights. The sequence became one of the most shared clips from the entire film on social media, racking up millions of views within days of release.
Nick's own TikTok post saying "It is the honor of my life to play Dancepool" received over 4.6 million likes — making it one of the most viral dancer reveals in film history.
This kind of breakout story is comparable to others in the performing arts. You can explore a similar unexpected breakthrough in the Sydney Agudong biography — another performer who landed a life-changing Disney role from relative obscurity.
Nick Pauley Net Worth 2026
How much is Nick Pauley actually worth in 2026? Here is a realistic breakdown.
Estimated Net Worth: $600,000 – $900,000
His income streams include:
| Income Source | Estimated Contribution |
| Film/TV performance fees (Deadpool & Wolverine, The Prom) | $150,000–$250,000 |
| Choreography contracts (Pepsi Co., commercial projects) | $100,000–$150,000+ |
| TikTok brand deals and creator fund (572K followers) | $40,000–$80,000/year |
| Broadway Dance Center teaching/faculty | $30,000–$60,000/year |
| Cameo appearances | $5,000–$15,000/year |
| Live performances and events | $50,000–$100,000+ |
His post-Deadpool visibility has significantly raised his market rate for brand partnerships and choreography commissions. As of 2026, his net worth is trending upward — especially if he secures additional film or major commercial work.
For context on how social media dancers build wealth, compare with the Micah Alberti bio — another performer who built financial stability through multiple entertainment income streams.
Nick Pauley's Girlfriend and Relationship Status (2026)
Let's be direct: Nick Pauley has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend or romantic partner as of 2026.
He keeps his personal life almost entirely off social media. His TikTok and Instagram content is focused on dance, choreography, and behind-the-scenes professional content. There are no relationship announcements, no tagged partners, and no public dating history that can be verified.
This is not unusual. Many professional dancers in Los Angeles deliberately maintain privacy to protect personal relationships from the pressures of public attention.
What we know:
- No confirmed girlfriend as of March 2026
- No engagement or marriage records found
- Relationship status: Private / Unknown
If this changes, we will update this section. In the meantime, you can follow his official TikTok at @nickfpauley for any personal updates he chooses to share.
Nick Pauley's Social Media Presence (2026 Update)
Nick has built a genuinely impressive digital footprint since the Deadpool release:
- TikTok (@nickfpauley): 572,600+ followers | 17.7M likes
- Threads (@nickfpauley): 27,800+ followers
- Instagram: Active, dance-focused content
- Cameo: Available (when active) for personalised video messages
- IMDb: Listed as Nicholas Pauley with 3 credits
- Broadway Dance Center: Faculty profile
His content style is authentic and unpolished in the best way — real dance practice, reaction videos, and honest storytelling. That approach is a large part of why his Dancepool reveal went viral so fast.
FAQs About Nick Pauley
How old is Nick Pauley in 2026?
Nick Pauley is 31 years old in 2026. He was born on January 8, 1995, in the Bay Area, California.
What is Nick Pauley's height?
Nick Pauley is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm), based on his professional dancer profile and visual comparisons.
Why is Nick Pauley called Dancepool?
The nickname "Dancepool" is a blend of his profession (dance) and the character he portrayed (Deadpool). It was used as his character name in Deadpool & Wolverine and has since become his widely recognised stage persona.
Did Ryan Reynolds actually dance in Deadpool & Wolverine?
No. The opening dance sequence to NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" was performed by Nick Pauley, not Ryan Reynolds. Nick served as Reynolds' dance double for the scene — a fact that surprised many fans who assumed Reynolds did it himself.
What movies has Nick Pauley appeared in?
Nick Pauley has three listed screen credits: Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), The Prom (2020), and the Katy Perry "Chained to the Rhythm" music video (2017).
Who is Nick Pauley's agent or agency?
Nick Pauley is professionally represented by BlocLA, a top talent agency for dancers and choreographers based in Los Angeles.
Is Nick Pauley on TikTok?
Yes. His handle is @nickfpauley with over 572,000 followers and 17.7 million total likes as of 2026.
What is Nick Pauley's estimated net worth?
His estimated net worth in 2026 is between $600,000 and $900,000, drawn from film, choreography, brand deals, and teaching.
Key Takeaways
- Nick Pauley (born January 8, 1995) is a UCLA-trained dancer and choreographer from California
- He became globally known as Dancepool in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), performing the NSYNC "Bye Bye Bye" opening sequence
- His estimated net worth in 2026 sits at $600K–$900K and is growing
- He started dancing at 10, joined a professional company at 15, and spent 20+ years building the skills that led to a Marvel credit
- His relationship status is private — no confirmed girlfriend as of 2026
- He is represented by BlocLA and teaches at Broadway Dance Center
For more celebrity bios in the same format, explore the Big Write Hook Biographies section.
References
- Broadway Dance Center — Nick Pauley Faculty Bio: https://broadwaydancecenter.com/faculty/nick-pauley
- IMDb — Nicholas Pauley: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9845131/
- IMDb News — Nick Pauley Had 30 Minutes to Nail the Choreography: https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64734595/
- Famous Birthdays — Nick Pauley: https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/nick-pauley.html
- Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki — Nick Pauley: https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Nick_Pauley
- TikTok — @nickfpauley (Official): https://www.tiktok.com/@nickfpauley
