Tessa Virtue has spent the majority of her life honing her skills in control. From mastering the delicate balance on ice to forming a strong partnership with Scott Moir, she has excelled in the world of ice dance, winning numerous accolades and etching her name in Canadian sports history.
However, Virtue is now venturing into unfamiliar territory by embracing uncertainty and stepping onto the stage alone. Her new contemporary dance solo, choreographed by Alyssa Martin of the National Ballet of Canada, will debut at the upcoming Fall for Dance North Festival in Toronto. This marks Virtue’s first major performance away from the ice, returning to her roots in dance.
While excited and honored by the opportunity, Virtue admits to feeling a mix of emotions as she prepares for this new challenge. She describes the experience as both exhilarating and daunting, pushing her out of her comfort zone.
Reflecting on her return to dance, Virtue acknowledges the distinct differences between ice dancing and stage performance. She notes the shift in focus from technical precision to exploring momentum and energy through off-balance movements on stage.
For Virtue, this transition represents a departure from the controlled perfection of elite skating towards a more vulnerable and expressive form of artistry. Embracing the raw emotions and imperfections in her performance has been a cathartic experience, allowing her to connect on a deeper level with her craft.
Despite initially considering a duet with Scott Moir, Virtue has found a new kind of partnership in the dance community and within the rehearsal room. Alyssa Martin praises Virtue’s authenticity and generosity as a performer, qualities that shine through in her solo debut set to Céline Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”
The collaboration between Virtue and Martin at the Fall for Dance North Festival embodies artistic risk-taking and innovation, showcasing the fusion of their diverse backgrounds in a shared love for dance. Robert Binet, the festival’s artistic director, hopes audiences will witness Virtue’s versatility and appreciate the universal language of movement and expression.
As Virtue prepares to unveil her solo performance, she encourages audiences to embrace the emotional journey without the need for a dance vocabulary. She remains open to whatever feelings arise from the experience and looks forward to the next chapter in her artistic evolution.
Tessa Virtue’s solo dance premiere is scheduled for Oct. 15 at the Fall for Dance North Festival in Toronto, inviting viewers to witness her transformation from ice dancer to stage performer.