The moment u first discovered VM and the moment you fell in love with them .

First of all.. I’m sorry this has been in my asks for so long at this point but I’m getting to it now.

Ok.. settle in folks. 🍿

The IE SD in PYC was the first time I took notice of them. I had seen clips of stuff from Vancouver and Sochi but this was the first real moment. I’ve said in another post there were fluff pieces and lead up stuff while the whole olys were on and I can’t remember exactly now but I probs saw something before the actual event. But that SD was the first full program I watched of theirs.

Ok, the moment I fell in love. I can’t really say I have en exact moment that fits that statement. I did immediately fall in love with their dancing, but as far as a non skating moment, the following is when I thought there’s definitely something different about them:

My thoughts upon seeing this:

On a small level: Wow that’s very coupley

I’m honestly not lying when I say I never did believe, or think of them as anything other than platonic. I don’t judge anyone for thinking that there was or they did upon seeing something like this. Idk, I think I just see things a bit differently in general. I say this seems ‘coupley’ because upon first glance they just seem so close and physically familiar with each other- not strictly in a ‘dance partner’ sense the way I see most dance partners. On the offical feed for the FD from PYC during the warm up the commentator says how VM have the handle on being the “couple”. As ice dancers that’s what they are, that’s what they present as, that’s what they make you believe. While I do think there’s some accuracy to that, I don’t like how it pigeon holes them. I think they portray that energy more in certain programs than others- and not just in their programs but in creating the whole aura of their ‘package’ for that season or program. For both programs this season I would say definitely they created that “couple” energy- and I would guess that’s a very easy state for them to flow into and out of with each other when they need or want to- it’s very natural for them (especially later on in their career), they aren’t faking anything- something like this is not a matter of choreography or something they practiced as part of their exit. You can tell that because it’s clearly their natural personalities shining through, that along with being after a skate that good and being so excited, a fake af coupley exit from the ice is literally the last thing on their minds- also there are dozens of times they exit all cuddly and close- almost all the time tbh. For the previous season, there was still a bit of that coupleyness but more so; in the same FD commentary as comparison they say VM’s ‘rivals’ are more so an ‘entity’- two becoming one. I’m not disputing that label with that team but this isn’t about them, and I feel TS just as honestly portray that two-becoming-one aura in and around something like Latch. It’s a merge of the coupleyness as in a relationship and two souls becoming one to create this art. It’s a subtle difference but it’s quite obvious at least to me.

I think the coupleyness comes easy to them because they just have so much natural chemistry that so few- certainly no other ID team I’ve ever seen has. They have immense affection for each other and probably on some level do find each other attractive, and as they matured it became very natural for them to slip in and out of that, not only on the ice but as I said in the headspace they are in surrounding the direction of their program/s for the season. We have to remember that they are dancers. Dance is an art form and when it’s done by those at the highest level (not for fun after-school dance lessons. Professionals) who literally live and breath it, they are spending a huge amount of time in a state that’s not fully ‘normal human’ behaviour. They are spending a lot of time in touch with different part of themselves where they have to abandon human insecurities and norms to inhabit the tone/story of each dance, and are allowed to interact with each other in a way that’s different to real life. Spending so much time in it, being so familiar and feeling so safe with each other can easily flow in and out of performance/practice and returning/ resetting to normal. I equate it a little bit the idea of method acting. I’m not saying TS are at all method actors, but spending so much time everyday in the headspace of, let’s say, their characters from MR, yes, they can and it’s very important for them to switch off and leave it behind to relax at the end of the day, but that movement and spirit does remain within you a bit until you move on to new chore/storyline’s etc.. (this was just a little side bar, I’ll go into more detail on this in future posts).

The main thing I thought, and the reason I fell in love with them: they are really different to anyone else, really genuine, unique, special. In this moment I felt that together they were in service to their art and that’s (part of) what allows this kind on public intimacy that could be seen as romantic, but to me instinctually I felt them as artists who’s physical relationship is comprised of trust in moving together.

More than anything from those Olympics, this was the moment that caught my eye and made me think that they were different- at the time I wasn’t completely sure of what level.

The initial feels and thoughts I had, which I continue to maintain and view them of having this characteristic (IMO) (which I’ve mentioned a few times but always struggle to find the words for so I’m just gonna say it blatantly this time and then explain my way out of it): He is very in charge of her. Not in a controlling way, not in valuing her as less than he way… in a way that is possible through unwavering trust, comfort, maturity, peace with each other, love, affection and care. It’s in a way in which it feels (to me) that Tessa is so safe in his arms, safe with him leading and somewhat controlling her movements even when they aren’t actually dancing. Like I said earlier, none of this is deliberate, planned, choreographed. It’s just how they are naturally or by habit, and if you’ve watched enough of them these are all behavioural traits they display all the time. This is all completely unconscious in the moment and as a result of familiarity.

The way he passes her left hand into his, after already switching from normal, standard dance hold into their special hand hold which only they do. He pulls her a little closer so he can wrap his arm around her shoulder and neck so he now has hold of her so securely in a way that she can’t really leave this situation. Before he does that though, T pulls her ponytail over her shoulder, again, completely unconsciously- not a deliberate thought to do that, maybe her back was sweaty and her hair was sticking a bit, idk, but none the less she does. Once he’s holding her she shuts her eyes and she holds onto his arm to be even closer and cuddlier while he whispers to her.. not that anyone would be able to hear if he didn’t get that close, but none the less he makes a point of being that close cause they were truly only words for her to hear. I have no place in assuming what was said but knowing afterwards that Scott made a point of saying how T was the strength for him that day, if I was to satisfy my own curiosity and given the body language I like to think it was something along the lines of “you did so well T/ you freaking rockstar/ I’m so proud of you/ that was so fun/ that’s my girl that was so good”. Whatever was said is followed by three big pats NOT on her boob you creeps chill the fuck out and she clearly says “thank you” (or maybe ‘you too’ but I’m confident it’s ‘thank you’). What makes me think he said something like the above is the way she kinda shyly drops her head as she says ‘thank you’, you know cause they are just such cheerleaders for each other and always say the sweetest things to each other so I just know it was something so incredibly kind and positively affirming (English??) and even though they would hear it from each other all the time how wonderful they are it is still such a lovely thing to hear and I imagine they would never get tired of being so proud of the other 🥲 (or she was just out of breathe- probably that but I like the first theory 😚). Here’s the really intimate part for me: As said before she (unconsciously/not deliberately) decides to put her pony tail over her shoulder for whatever reason, but as they finish their little cuddle, he takes her pony tail off her shoulder and drapes it back behind her, before one of his classic little neck/base of her skull squeezes (😵‍💫🫠🥴). AGAIN (cause I cbf with someone coming after me for misreading the situation/claiming it’s rehearsed or telling me not to see it as intimacy coz it’s not deliberate I’ll make the point again).. ITS NOT DELIBERATE. Which is exactly what makes all of it sooo intimate. That they are just naturally like this. But now that we have accepted that it is not deliberate and we can put that aside, can we just appreciate the intimacy for a moment in that she decided she wanted her pony tail over her shoulder, but he decides he wants it on her back and she doesn’t put it back on her shoulder after, so like it’s just so intimate that even with these tiny things that over 20 years have become so comfortable and natural and just a lovely part of their unique intimacy that she’s is perfectly comfortable with letting him *decide things like wrapping her into an almost choke hold kinda cuddle and choosing where her hair will go and being gently squeezed around the base of her neck at frequently random intervals as a way of being shown affection and delicacy is just a lot to see as your first non-skating introduction to the stunning anomaly that is VIRTUEMOIR 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯.

But she doesn’t at all want to leave the situation. She leans into him and indulges in that embrace and those sweet words of admiration. That thing I said about him being ‘in charge’ (or control) of her, is obviously a tricky word to use because of the implications it can have- so I probably shouldn’t use it but I like it in that once you know about them; their history, longevity.. I see in charge/control first from my perspective as what trusting of a partnership they clearly have and so clearly embodying the roles of S being the leader in the skating/dancing part of a man/woman partnership- this without knowing anything about them-just based on first impressions, but after that knowing more about them you see it in their personalities and all that trust built up produces the opportunity for so much comfort and (in T’s pov, and I guess mine as well being a girl I relate to her and how she is treated in this partnership) being ok with being lead and guided coz it’s exactly what happens when they dance- so it feels so natural. Without pretending to be a body language expert and really just going off my own eyes and emotions in watching this moment.. it’s so clearly a ‘coupleyness’ beyond simply friends or skating/dance partners or yes even lovers. It’s an intimacy I’d never seen before and my true, honest, first opinion of it from me as a dancer who at this time I’m my life specifically I was working very intimately with a partner was something I recognised as a closeness born out of commitment and abandon to their craft which they share a love for on such a deep, emotional level which has extended into their interactions together as best friends who share a more complex love then really anyone including them can comprehend.

So I think that’s why I fell in love with them; the dancing- not just skating, DANCING on ice like I’d never seen before along with a connection to their craft and each other I didn’t think was actually possible- especially not in public on the worlds biggest stage- this kind of intimacy I could only imagine in the seclusion of a quiet studio.. which for that matter, is 100% where the depths of their intimacy existed- in a place none of us will ever get to see and is only for them to share- those 6am mornings in a crappy hockey rink where they could say or feel anything was where the foundations of all this stemmed from- we only get to see the surface layer and if this layer is what produced such a deep fascination for them in so many of us just imagine the depth of understanding they have for their connection together. All that work to understand this person they would create moving art with at the highest athletic level we will ever see.

Rock the Rink Write-Ups (Kitchener & Sauga)

Hey Everyone!! This is going to be a combined write-up on both my shows in one. I’ll make reference to specific shows as I go but it’ll be my overall impression 🙂I went to Kitchener with @makeitcountmeggy​ & @canadianvirtues​ & @danelledo​ (who was working). And I went to Mississauga with another friend and Danielle. In Kitchener, we had ice side seats in the absolute center which was AMAZING. Luckily we ended up having the aisle seat which meant Danielle could come shoot right next to us and Trennt ended up sitting with us as well. In Sauga, I was near the tunnel on the corner, not the best seats but also not terrible.

I thought that the show overall went by SO FREAKING fast, which typically isn’t something that strikes me with shows. The Birds of Bellwoods were great live, their songs sound identical to their recordings which is nice to see. I was defs jamming in my seat to all of them. Stevie must chug an energy drink before he goes on with all the running he does, it’s hilarious. Just like back and forth and circles around the stage.

I love how they do the countdown before they come out, it makes it feel big and exciting. Throughout the whole show, I love how the skaters GIVE it to the max- especially Scott and Tessa. Looking at Scott’s face he is just LIVING his best life out there. I thought the choreo was stunning. I noticed the second time I saw it how there’s so much going on that it’s easy to miss little moments because of how seamlessly it’s all knitted together. Seeing the Sympathy of the Devil intro again still gives me goosebumps. It’s such a powerful program and they really cover the ice so quickly in it. Makes me miss competition days. Seeing Carolina, Tati and Max, and Jeremy for the first time was really something special. Carolina has such magic and artistry it’s phenomenal. She really draws you in and captivates her audience. She also has great choice in costumes! Jeremy’s jumps are super high and he goes into them without much lead up. Tati and Max are also so amazing, the high and distance of their throws are unparalleled and it really makes you gasp - it’s the quality of elements that really set the Russian teams apart. I also have to say the fact that Tati had a baby and still has that much flexibility is crazy. Tati also just sits back in her landing position so nicely like it’s no big deal she just landed that throw. Sitting beside Trennt at the Kitch show-- he was totally fangirling over Tati and Max. He was in awe and even gave them a standing ovation. Chiddy’s program was really fun! I liked that it was fast and he could really let go in it. I thought it was a little messy when I saw it in Kitchener but it was much better in Sauga. Kaetlyn’s program is super cute, fits her very well and she seems super comfortable in it. The Sauga show for her solo was a messy one she fell on most of the jumps so I’m glad I got to see it in Kitchener.

Wish You Were Here...I have to start off by saying how full circle this is that they always said how it was music they’ll come back to one day for Scott’s grandfather and Tessa’s grandmother and it’s just so sentimental. In this program, I still get heart palp moments when they skate – it’s like magic. It just blends together and really transcends time. Like did the program just start? Is it over already? And they just look at each other that way like they feel everything the other person is feeling and we’re just lucky to watch. Also, it’s so easy to see the balletic elements shine through in this program. I love how many moments they have with gorgeous lines and they hit those poses that are just beautiful and communicate the feelings and emotions. Scott wearing the poppy on his chest in the black outfit was really touching, he’s always been very supportive of veterans and it was nice to see that touch.

Having Special Olympians part of the show is SO SO SO special. What a lovely stage to showcase these dedicated athletes. At both of my shows they got standing ovations and they got to celebrate a well skated program. I love Tessa and Scott for choosing to include.

Speakeasy was really well done! The acting is just so over the top and perfect I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT. Every little detail is choreographed so well with the faces, little flicks of the wrist and well timed smiles. The longing looks and winks. IT’S LIKE A MOVIE. Sway... oh man sway... sway makes me LIVE. Every turn and hold and lift. It throws me into the era so hard I don’t want to get out. VM are just stunning and will forever be. The way their bodies mirror each other and how they can just react to every hip sway and hold of each other. It’s the freedom they bring when they skate with each other that they can let go it give themselves to the choreo bc of the trust they have with each other. One is never over the top because the other is just a perfect match. Can I also have Tessa’s costume in my size please because I want to wear it every day?

Let you go was so beautiful. Nothing beats live music, and I love the interweaving choreo. Also, those black body suits are stunning. Did I mention Carolina is stunning she’s just so flowy and elegant? It’s a nice simple moment that’s visually appealing.

Motown is another number that makes me want to get up and dance with the crew! No word of a lie I want to learn the choreo hahaha. Everyone commits to characters in this number just as much as the last one. I love the little embedded story lines like Patrick and Kaetlyn. It’s such a fun medley of music that is just a party on the ice. I noticed during this number some extra details like when Tessa is being lifted in the split Scott is doing a fun little thing with Carolina and Kaetlyn on the other side. It’s cool to watch from different angles so you can notice things like that. Gotta love VM slow dancing, will never get old. I’ll be like 50 and come watch these videos and be like YEP THAT’S GOOD STUFF.

Fix you— I prepared myself to be like a mess and I wasn’t. The video of course is emotional to watch but I cried the first time I saw it online not in person. The skate itself is gorgeous I love the choreo how they get pulled away and then they find that moment in the middle at the crescendo of the music and it’s just perfect and we get a little latch and a little umbrellas. A perfect little ending, if anything I wish it was longer so we could live in it just a bit more. I couldn’t help think of all the moments that have led up to this as I watched them skate for the last time-- all the moments that we as fans have been privy to which certainly is only a fraction of the ones they have to look back on. What a blessing for them to go out on their own terms rather than by injury or circumstance or anything like that. They’re going out because they’re content with what they have accomplished and what they want to represent as skaters-- an era of pure excellence. How wonderful that we got to witness that?

Kudos to Charlie White for an INCREDIBLY well choreographed show! I do have to add that thanks for Danielle-- me, madi, and Meg got to meet Charlie and Andrew Poje after the show. We were just on ice waiting for Danielle and then they walked by and we were totally dumbfounded and then Danielle introduced herself and we got to sneak in a quick moment and grab a picture which was awesome cause I really wanted to meet Charlie.

Shout out to everyone in this wonderful crazy mess of a fandom that I’ve got to share any part of the VM journey with. I’m so incredibly blessed to have met some of my favorite people, best friends, and people that understand what it’s like to be in this fandom. I’m so grateful to have witness so much of their skating in person and I can wait to continue to support them as people.