Fifth Harmony Star Normani Kordei Shows Off Her Dance Skills to Future's "Commas" and More

Normani Kordei talks stepping out into her first passion of dance with our exclusive video premiere.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Fifth Harmony might not have won X Factor, but the girl group's deal with L.A. Reid's Epic Records has proven to be more than "Worth It" and their single went certified platinum in June, following the release of their debut album Reflection debuting at No. 5 on the Billboard charts. While we recently caught up with the girls to talk about their chemistry, their love for Fetty Wap, Drake and more, today we're excited to introduce you to Normani Kordei as she steps out and shows off her incredible dance skills in two new videos. She's been dancing since she was three years old,and now,  the singer is finding her way back there. "I wanted to create something that I felt completely represented me," she said.

We're premiering two videos of Normani dancing to Future's "Commas" and Teyana Taylor's "Do Not Disturb" then, we caught up with her briefly to talk about what's in her future.

You've been singing and dancing since you were a kid. What came first?
Dancing came first but through my love of dance,  I learned another beautiful art of expression through song. 

Was one more important to you growing up?
Dancing was my first passion so it definitely was most important. I would always sing and dance around my grandma's living room. I recorded my first song titled "DO" and I remember being introduced to the recording studio for the first time at the age of 13. I was fascinated as to how the magic behind the scenes worked out. As young black women we have to explore every opportunity presented to us. Many black pioneers have paved the way for my generation and generations to come and I would love to be a part of that movement. 

Since the success of Fifth Harmony, have you felt like you really were able to develop your own lane and voice in the group?
As a member of Fifth Harmony, we all have to do our part for the group's success so being a good team player is very important, but we also have our own distinct personalities and style. I focus on giving it my absolute best on every performance and leaving it all out on stage. I definitely feel that the group has had a huge impact and developed me in so many different ways—not only in the music industry but LIFE.

Tell me about your start in dancing and how it's evolved over the years?
I started dancing when I was 3 years old and the main reason was because I wanted a pink tutu. In those early years dance became a part of my identity and helped shape who I am today. Dancing is more than just moving body parts, it is a pathway of expressing your deepest inner thoughts. When I dance I escape the present and become one with my soul. I put my all into performing so people can walk away knowing a bit more about me and feel the passion in my story.

Now that Fifth Harmony has reached new career peaks, do you want to pursue your solo stuff a bit more and revisit Fifth Harmony down the line?
I am focused on Fifth Harmony becoming a huge success story. We play such an important role in the lives of young women by encouraging them to love, respect themselves and never settle. Hopefully the future is bright but I will certainly work hard and prepare myself for whatever God has in store personally. 

Why did you decide to release these dance videos now?
I wanted to create something that I felt completely represented me and I couldn't think of a better way than dance to do so. Being as busy as I have been for the past three years I haven't really had time to participate in my own activities. I couldn't have done this without the help of the incredibly talented Sean Bankhead. I literally flew from work in LA to Atlanta one day; and rehearsed both pieces the next day and we shot both videos the day after. I remember practicing every moment I got. I stayed up until 5 AM with the call time being 9 AM. I was dancing in the shower, hotel elevator, car and another place my feet touched. On top of all that I had to fly to London the day after the shoot. I spent my time off working. It's just a little bit of my world I've missed.

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