Tessa Virtue, known for her mastery of control in ice dance, is venturing into a new challenge that requires her to embrace uncertainty and perform solo. Collaborating with choreographer Alyssa Martin from the National Ballet of Canada, Virtue will debut a contemporary dance solo at the Fall for Dance North Festival in Toronto on October 15. This marks a significant shift for Virtue, transitioning from the ice rink to the stage where she first discovered her love for dance.
Expressing a mix of excitement and honor, Virtue acknowledges the daunting nature of this new endeavor. She describes the experience as both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, highlighting the electrifying and invigorating aspects of the opportunity. Despite feeling out of her comfort zone, Virtue sees this as a return to her roots in dance, a passion she cultivated from a young age.
Transitioning from the controlled precision of elite ice skating to the expressive freedom of dance has been a transformative process for Virtue. She notes the difference in body relationships demanded by the two art forms, emphasizing the need to explore off-balance movements and embrace vulnerability on stage. This departure from the structured perfection of skating has allowed Virtue to delve into a more raw and emotional performance style, offering a cathartic release for her nervous system.
In a departure from her usual dynamic with partner Scott Moir, Virtue will be performing solo for the first time in years. While she initially considered a duet with Moir, she found a new kind of partnership in the dance community and the rehearsal room. Choreographer Alyssa Martin praises Virtue’s authentic and generous performance style, underscoring the warmth and power she brings to her artistry.
Set to Céline Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” the performance showcases Virtue’s ability to infuse the song with her unique power and emotion. The collaboration between Virtue and Martin exemplifies the artistic risks celebrated by the Fall for Dance North Festival, bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds to create a new and compelling work.
Artistic director Robert Binet hopes that Virtue’s solo debut will challenge audiences’ perceptions and showcase her versatility beyond the realm of ice dancing. He emphasizes the universal appeal of dance as a form of expression and connection, inviting viewers to embrace the emotional journey presented on stage.
As she prepares for her solo debut, Virtue remains open to the experience and encourages audiences to engage with the performance on a visceral level. Looking ahead, she keeps her future plans flexible, demonstrating a willingness to take on new challenges with courage and determination.
Tessa Virtue’s solo performance will premiere at the Fall for Dance North Festival in Toronto on October 15, running until October 25.