Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead are ditching sneakers for dancing shoes

Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead are both key players in the Raptors’ recent winning streak—a long-awaited return to form for a team that has spent the last two seasons in “building mode” (read: failing to qualify for the playoffs). Now, the dynamic duo is lending their talents to the ultimate Toronto Christmas collaboration: the Raptors x The Nutcracker.

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Barnes and Shead will make their National Ballet of Canada debut as cannon dolls, two walk-on roles that appear halfway through the ballet’s first act, before the big battle scene. The National Ballet announced this year’s list of celebrity cameos before The Nutcracker’s opening night on Friday. Last weekend, the dolls were played by Canadian ballet legend Rex Harrington—who originated the combined role of Peter and the Nutcracker for the company 30 years ago—and fellow original cast member Joanna Ivey.

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Barnes and Shead are probably the biggest names tapped to light up the stage this season. Other Toronto notables include Max Kerman of Arkells and players from the Argos, the AFC and the Canadian women’s rugby team, as well as some radio hosts and TV anchors.

Barnes and Shead will make their appearance at the performance on December 19. The cannon dolls are not dancing roles (sigh), but they do get ample opportunity to ham it up. Former Raptors Kyle Lowry and Matt Thomas set the bar pretty high when they performed back in 2019. Your move, Scottie.