Ye: It was just a little while ago — maybe a week or two — when Tessa Virtue came to our rink to coach another team. And then Hannah was like, “Oh my god, I really want to see her. I want to ask her something. But I can’t go alone. Come with me!”
Hannah: Tessa had actually come to our rink a few times last year too, and each time she said something warm and encouraging. Last year, she told us, “I really like both of your programs” — our rhythm dance (the Prince medley) and our free dance (from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg). I was so touched. You see, the Virtue-Moir team had previously done a program to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and for Tessa to say she liked ours… it just meant so much to us. So this time, I really wanted to speak to her — but I’d never initiated a conversation with her before. Then I thought, If I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it. So I asked Ye, “Can you come with me? I really can’t go alone.” And so I finally gathered the courage and asked her, “Tessa, how can I make my movements big and clear like yours?” Because her movements are always so expansive, precise, and sharp — but they never feel forced.
She told me, “I always performed for Scott (her partner). Not for the judges or the audience — it was always for him, or to him. I think that’s what made my movement clear and impactful and left an impression on people.”
I was so moved by that. I think I knew that deep down, but I had forgotten. And it’s exactly what I want to express in our performances too. So I was really grateful that Tessa reminded me of that. Without that advice, I think I might’ve lost my way during the season. I’m so glad I had the courage to ask — it was such a precious opportunity.
Ye: Just having Tessa there was incredibly inspiring. After we asked her the question, every time we moved to the music, we could feel her watching us. I looked at Hannah and her face was bright red, and I asked, “Hannah, are you breathing?” and she said, “I don’t think I am.”
Later, we performed our full program, and at the end, we saw Tessa clapping from behind. It was really emotional.
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