The question I was asked: “ How does Scott relate to the relevance and success of Tessa?”
First, before I begin, the following is based on the 20/21 year Virtue and Moir partnership; it does not extend past Stars On Ice 2018 and into this year.
I believe, Suzanne Killing, was the coach who instilled the basic principles of partnership and laid the foundation for their teamwork. As they grew and learned more about themselves and their world, they added layers to that foundation.
Since they call it a business partnership, so will I, and as such there is a blueprint to a successful partnership.
Simple definition: Partnership is a relationship between two persons, who agree to work together, as a team, for a common goal.
TRUST is the glue that hold any relationship together; without it there is no partnership. Trust means being reliable, responsible and dependable. Trust is non-negotiable and must be absolute, especially when Tessa and Scott are performing on the ice together.
MUTUAL RESPECT is the fundamental base of any partnership. Tessa and Scott have talked about this at length and on numerous occasions. Without respect, the partnership does not work.
It is crucial that each partner agree on a shared VISION, both short and long term. What did they want to achieve: improve their skating skills, improve their power, technically proficient, creative, learn and be challenged… in a positive environment. They also need their AMBITION, for the partnership, and PASSION, for their love of skating together and the ice, to continue to move forward. These qualities helped them overcome any obstacles that presented themselves. As athletes, they are COMPETITIVE by nature and continually proving themselves to each other and their significance to the team. They thrive on the CHALLENGE.
COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS that differ but match strengthen a partnership. These skills make for a rich creative process, as well as the opportunity to teach and learn from each partner. Scott looks more to the technical and how to maximize points; Tessa is all about movement. Different skill sets also mean different partner roles. Roles that each person is better suited. Scott may lead on the ice, where Tessa is more comfortable with the media.
Partnerships fail without an EQUAL and TRUE COMMITMENT, to each other, the process, and the goal. One person can not carry the whole partnership alone. The success of one partner is tightly intertwined with the success of the other. ‘The Comeback’ is an excellent example of the commitment Tessa and Scott made to each other.
Every aspect of any partnership revolves around COMMUNICATION; it can make or break any relationship. If a disagreement occurs, with open communication, it can be dealt with on neutral ground. Talk often and talk a lot. With technology today there is no excuse for not staying in touch. Tessa and Scott have talked often about the help they received from therapist, marriage counselors, coaches…
A partnership is only formed if there is a GOAL to be achieved. There will be short term goals and a long term goal. These goals are discussed and agreed upon by both partners. When those goals are met, then other goals are set. The Olympics was the long term goal; winning each competition was the short term goal.
Partnership thrive when each individual is in an environment where they feel SUPPORTED and PROTECTED. This type of atmosphere infused hope and creativity, as well as a belief that they won’t fail and their goal is attainable. A mature partnership does not protect people from themselves. Tessa and Scott provide this support and protection to each other, as do their coaches.
An elite partnership understands it only takes one TOXIC person to destroy the entire relationship. A partnership cannot be successful or rewarding when the behavior, manipulation, poor attitude and character of one person continues to impede forward progress.
Now, what makes them exceptional…
History: Tessa and Scott shared 20/21 years of growing up together and in that time, they have gotten to know each other, well enough to anticipate actions, thoughts and words. All it takes it a look to understand each other.
Their performances were unmatched by any past or present day ice dancers. The excellence of their performances was, not only seen in their superb skating skills, but in the details. The elegance of an extension, a knee bend, the grace of a curve, a point, the depth of edges, the sharpness of their lines and the sophistication of an expression and the fluidity of a movement. All this while they were in complete SYNC with each other.
Together they possessed an innate quality to deliver a performance, which brings the audience onto the ice and into the story with them. Their programs, never simple, always innovative and fearless. The nuances of the dance has not been duplicated by anyone else, past or present.
Chemistry and Connection, Tessa and Scott had them both. Chemistry cannot be forced. It’s a natural, undeniable connection, an emotional attraction, which people hope for but is rarely found. Connection, on the other hand, is something you have to work toward with help from outside sources.
The ice was their home, their safe place. A comfort, if you will. Ice dance was never a job and they were never afraid of the ice. At their best they feed off each other in such a positive way, which only enhanced every performances.
Tessa and Scott complemented each other in physical appearance: height, attractive, symmetry, balance, personality and natural. They fit together perfectly for ice dancing and partners.
I view all partnerships as a 50/50 split, unless otherwise seen. When Scott’s friend, Cale, and his grandfather, G Mac, passed away, Tessa and Scott were still competing. Scott was emotional drained after each competition and Tessa did exactly what an elite partner would to; she carried more than her 50% share until Scott was back.
The success and relevance of this partnership was not based on Tessa alone or Scott alone. All the competitions and medals could NOT have been achieved with anyone else. Not Jackie, nor anyone for all the reasons I stated above. They were a meant to be partnership.
Tessa and Scott were an integrate part of each other and their success as a team on the ice.
