Josh Norman is a fixture on the gridiron every Sunday for the Washington Redskins, but this Friday will see him wearing a different kind of uniform in an entirely different kind of arena. Norman will perform a guest role for one night only as the Arabian Prince in Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company’s production of The Nutcracker.
Norman got to show off his dancing skills this past summer when he was a contestant on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (he and his partner, Sharna Burgess, finished second to Olympic skater Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson). However, ballet wasn’t one of the techniques he picked up during the show’s run and The Nutcracker will make the first time he has ever performed in the style.
This all came about when LBPAC approached Norman about the idea, with a portion of the proceeds of his performance going to benefit his Starz24 Foundation. Norman’s charity challenges youths to participate in areas that develop strong interpersonal skills and awareness of the world around them through things like community events and youth programs.
“You get to go out there and share your holiday spirit and give something back to others in a way, [which] you’re expressing through dance,” Norman said in an email response about what he is looking forward to about the performance.
The Redskins are still in the middle of their season, but Norman finds time about once a week for rehearsal on his off day. A benefit he’s finding is that some things cross over from the football field and the stage.
“Balance, a lot of control, lifting, that’s for sure,” he said. “I think those are similarities. The presence of stage, commanding that, becoming a character. It’s kind of fun.”
The curtain for Norman’s performance on Friday, Dec. 14, will rise at 7:30 p.m. When asked if he expects to have any nerves when the time comes, he said: “No, I think all the nerves go out, but you never know. I think every time you’re in a competition you get that stage fright, but it’s almost like a presence you have to command.”
Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company’s The Nutcracker will be performed at Loudoun Valley High School in Purcellville. In addition to the Friday performance, there will be two performances on both Saturday and Sunday (sans Norman). Tickets are still available for all performances. // lbpac.org
