Nathaniel Orr was raised in York, Pennsylvania and started dancing professionally in 1976. Though Orr was athletic as a child, he did not consider professional dance until attending South Eastern University (formerly Westchester State University).

After moving to New York to pursue this career, Orr was accepted into the Dance Theatre of Harlem school and The Ailey School and attended the former, eventually dancing with the main company. Following an injury and recovering, he served as a rehearsal director for the Walter Nix Company. He has also been a member of the Andre Eglepsky Ballet Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Rockville Ballet, Washington Ballet, and the Capitol Ballet.

He choreographed Undeniably Bach for the Capitol Ballet in 1988 and served as ballet master for the company the same year.

Sources:

Capitol Ballet Capital Night, The Washington Post
The Capitol Ballet, Renewing the Promise, The Washington Post
The Dance: Rockville Performs, The New York Times
World of Dance According to Nathaniel Orr, American Eagle