Tessa Virtue, known for her precision and control in ice dance, has embarked on a new artistic challenge. The three-time Olympic gold medalist, alongside partner Scott Moir, has transitioned from the ice rink to the stage for a contemporary dance solo choreographed by Alyssa Martin of the National Ballet of Canada. Premiering at the Fall for Dance North Festival in Toronto on October 15, Virtue’s performance marks a return to her first love, dance.
Expressing both excitement and nervousness, Virtue describes the experience as electrifying and invigorating. The shift from ice dancing to solo performance demands a different relationship with the body, requiring her to embrace uncertainty and vulnerability. Rather than the controlled perfection of elite skating, Virtue now explores a more fluid and exposed style, finding it cathartic for her nervous system.
Despite initially considering a duet with Moir, Virtue has found a new kind of partnership in the dance community. Choreographer Alyssa Martin praises Virtue’s authentic and generous performance style, setting the stage for a powerful collaboration. The solo, set to Céline Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” symbolizes a bold artistic risk embraced by the Fall for Dance North Festival.
Artistic director Robert Binet hopes the audience will witness Virtue’s versatility and recognize that her artistry transcends the confines of ice dancing. Virtue encourages viewers to remain open to experiencing the performance emotionally, emphasizing that dance is about connecting with the audience on a deeper level. With her solo premiering on October 15, Virtue’s foray into contemporary dance promises to captivate audiences beyond the realm of figure skating.
