#the hold gadbois has

[wtficedance]

when an announcer says "X's partner skills/partnering are/is exceptional" what does that mean, and does it always refer to the male partner?

Q #200:

Hi anon,

Awesome question. Partnering/partner skills refer to one of two things:

1. The ability to actually skate with your partner as opposed to simply existing on the ice at the same time. Refers to both the chemistry and projection between the two skaters to the audience as an entity and also important factors of spatial awareness in hold and when physically interacting with each other. The ability to anticipate what the other is doing and matching one another’s movement.

2. The ability of the male skater to “present” his partner according to the traditional lens of skating which falls under the very gender-role “woman is the flower and man is the stem holding her up.” There’s also the “lady is the picture and the man is framing her” schtick. This is all in accordance to the kind of very typical old, ice dance style where the woman is kind of held like a rag doll and told to hit pretty positions while emoting to the audience and the man does the skating and lifts her. Some retired teams that really fit this mold would be Dubreil/Lauzon, Khoklova/Novitski, Drobiazko/Vanagas. In this more gendered, traditional, reductive case the “partnering” would only refer to the man.

Skaters who are “bad” at partnering typically are skating like singles skaters either physically (not knowing how to interact with their partner, awkwardly doing choreography that requires holds and changes of position, maybe most importantly not knowing how to maneuver their partner safely during elements when something goes wrong) or emoting to the audience that way. Some of the 3 person rhumba patterns and partner swap exercises that Gadbois does are a really good example of which dancers have the best “partnering” skills, I would say Madi Hubbell is one of the best either leading or following. One of the most important developments in ice dance as skaters have sunk into IJS more has been more strength and “partnering” by women in lifts and taking more active roles in elements than simply hitting the splits. Even teams that have portrayed very traditional, romantic image are doing it in a more balanced physical manner where both partners are doing equal technical difficulty and are structuring their programs to be far more intricate than the traditional “picture and framing partner.”

Sometimes commentators try and “code” stupid comments about teams who don’t present as romantically as bad at partnering but some very heteronormative teams don’t excel at it (Nikita Katsalapov, Bobrova/Soloviev) and teams who are openly queer (Manta/Johnson) or who pursued very different storylines (Pechalat/Bourzat, the Kerrs, the Duchesnays, Delobel/Schoenfelder) who are very in tune both in terms of physical unison and projection.

Hope that answers your question!

[virtchandmoir]

iceacademyofmontreal: Better late than never……we would like to celebrate last weekend’s success for the I. AM team at the #ChampionnatsQuébécoisDété2022 in Pierrefonds, QC🇨🇦! Congratulations to our senior champions🥇Marie-Jade and Romain, 🥉medalists Haley and Nikolas, as well as our junior🥈medalists Sandrine and Quentin and🥉medalists Hannah and Ye! Great job to all skaters on a great pre-season skate 💪🏻 // Mieux vaut tard que jamais...... nous tenons à célébrer le succès du week-end dernier de l'équipe I. AM aux #ChampionnatsQuébécoisDété2022 à Pierrefonds, QC🇨🇦! Félicitations à nos champions seniors🥇Marie-Jade et Romain, médaillés de🥉 Haley et Nikolas, ainsi qu'à nos médaillés d’🥈juniors Sandrine et Quentin et médaillés de🥉Hannah et Ye! Bravo à tous les patineurs pour un excellent patinage de pré-saison 💪🏻. SENIOR 🥇🇨🇦Marie-Jade Lauriault & Romain Le Gac | @mj_lauriault @lauriaultlegac 2. 🇨🇦Carolane Soucisse & Shane Firus 🥉🇨🇦Haley Sales & Nikolas Wamsteeker | @halessales @nwamst @salesandwamsteeker … 5️⃣🇨🇦Lily Hensen & Nathan Lickers | @lilyhensen @nathan.lickers 6️⃣🇨🇦Emmy Bronsard & Jacob Richmond | @emmy_bronsard2004 @jacobrichmond0 8️⃣🇮🇹Leia Dozzi & Pietro Papetti | @leiadozzi @pietropapetti_ 9️⃣🇦🇿Samantha Ritter & Daniel Brykalov | @samm_ritter @daniel_wolf2000 🇳🇿Charlotte Lafond-Fournier & Ricky Kam | @charlottelafondfournier @asap_rickyk JUNIOR 1. 🇨🇦Nadiia Bashynska & Peter Beaumont 🥈🇨🇦Sandrine Gauthier & Quentin Thieren | @sandrine_.gauthier @thiquentin 🥉🇰🇷Hannah Lim & Ye Quan | @h.annahlim @quanye.east … 5️⃣🇨🇦Jordyn Lewis & Noah McMillan | @jordynlewis6 @noah._mcmillan 6️⃣🇨🇦Layla Veillon & Alexander Brandys | @laylaveillon_ @alex_brandys 1️⃣3️⃣🇯🇵Sara Kishimoto & Atsuhiko Tamura | @imnotsarak

[sashastepanova]

most ice dance fans remain the most annoying people in the fs fandom like hello y’all just found out about ice dance last february 20th and now you’re crying corruption any time someone places over your fave team? try learning about the actual rules and technical judging in ice dance and realize that there are better teams than just gadbois teams.

[beautifulstorms]

ok my own little drinking game of good things i very much want to happen

women’s 

maddie copy pastes her TE performances and outscores at least two american ladies

karen stays on her feet and is the top american lady and makes me (and likely most people watching) cry

young 3A! and skates like she did at skate america

mana, wakaba, kaori all go clean 

sasha lands all her quads and has the skate of her life

sasha wins the gold

men’s

roman goes clean. please

matteo lives! and goes viral over maneskin sp

mozalev and semenenko skate at least one clean program

mark.. entertains (yes thats literally all i want from him)

jason lands the 4s! and skates sinnerman perfectly like he always does

yuma on the podium

yuzu ratified 4A

pairs

miura/kihara clean

b/k on the podium

sui/han gold! of course

dance

STEPBUK SHOWS UP AT THE OLYMPICS

everybody thirsts over laurence and sasha

stepbuk successfully shipbaits the masses. like i want blurry pictures of them making out at practice, old moulin rouge ending resurfacing and gaining 10k likes on twitter. it would be SO FUNNY

lajoie/lagha nail funkytown! and get at least lvl 3 on their MB. gadbois please unfuck their patterns and teach them a Hold

lajoie/lagha sell the fuck out of rio birds! bonus if zak wears his bird mask in the knc

guignard/fabbri beat chock/bates gilles/poirier and most importantly fear/gibson. then finally announce their engagement

h/d win ice dance

[anewbeginningagain]

I can’t help but think how much gadbois (minus HD) has influenced this set of rules for ice dance… the pattern was the weakest element of almost all of their teams lol Pattern step sequences with hand on hand holds? That’s how their teams gain speed… anyway, very sad day for ice dance

I'm not sure I agree tbh, I think I.AM used the rules to their advantage in the most effective way but I don't think the removal of the pattern from the RD is a result of the way I.AM coaches. The pattern wasn't the weakest of all of their teams, Canadanes and H/B when not injured have very solid patterns (Canadanes especially, they had the best finnstep out of all teams in 2018/19 imo), C/B improved their pattern substantially, and P/C also had solid patterns for the most part. It was more of a struggle for the less experienced (or talented teams) which is to be expected. I think Igor teams are the ones to struggle with patterns regardless of their experience. To I.AM's credit they are also rumored to have objected the removal of the pattern along with other coaches.

That being said, there are several teams (some of them from I.AM) that will benefit a lot from this change and the addition of another optional choreographic element - the first two that came to my mind are disco brits and team nepotism #2.

I do agree it's a sad day for ice dance.

[macaroni-rascal]

What are some technical changes in Tessa’s skating from canton to gadbois? I can visualize how she went from freaking amazing to perfection but I can’t pin point exactly why. I think Tracy did some commentary on those changes in some competition but don’t remember which one. Is it just projecting more confidence? Cause that I can see, how she has so much bde, like I’m chill cause I know I’m the best energy that I didn’t get from her before, but I fell like there’s more than just that

This is a very fun question, and I love it!

Okay, so I wouldn’t just say Tessa’s skating, but also Scott’s skating (obviously) changed from the time they took their break post-Sochi up to and including their whole comeback.

I think you are thinking of Tracy talking about them at Skate Canada 2016 -- she spoke about how they could sometimes get a little far back on the blade and that that could cause some issues -- which is totally correct.

When Marina and Igor split, and VM and DW decided to stay with Marina, they maintained the part of the coaching dynamic that gave the programs and the flourish and the flare, but lost their technical coach. Paul Macintosh gave them excellent basic skating skills, but Igor really really helped them come into their own and helped to balance them well. After he left, they struggled with levels, because they lost that specialist in the rink every day -- and like, Johny Johns was not an adequate replacement, at all. Neither was Oleg if I’m being honest.

That loss of technical expertise in the rink got them off their groove a little bit, add Tessa’s injury and we end up with a quad full of amazing programs with some excellent performances, but not the consistency they wanted.

In their book, they talk about overhauling their skating, breaking it down completely, re-learning how to walk even, so it makes sense that all of that added to them looking much more balanced and sure on the ice. Their hips were more aligned than ever, their knee bend more in sync, I really found that because of how much more open step sequences became and close hold wasn’t as big of a thing, their edges matched that more lilting feeling, while still being as sharp and precise as always. Tessa during the circular step sequence in latch is just *chefs kiss* and I could watch it a million times and not be bored.

We love legends who refuse to settle.

[saucylittlesmile]

Carried over from the original creator and curator, @balletfever89.  Links to her original Post-Sochi timeline and her Post-Comeback timeline, as well as the original version of this timeline, Post-PyeongChang.  Some of the dates may be slightly off, as I'm looking backwards at blogs instead of keeping up as things happen.

=== Feb 9 - 25 WINTER OLYMPICS PYEONGCHANG, South Korea ===

Feb 26 – Tessa and Scott arrive at London

+Scott has family party in Ilderton (Tessa reported sick)

Feb 27 – Scott at bar with friends

March 1 – Tessa attends St Judes Catholic School and talks with kids (London)

+ Scott spotted in Ilderton

+ Nivea officially announces Tessa as ambassador

March 2 – Tessa with Midori + husband got flowers as a gift from her and Liz (London)

March 3 – Scott spotted at Turtle and Crown bar (AilsaCraig, near Ilderton)

March 4 – Tessa spotted (Bayfield)

March 5 – Tessa posts about packing (London) + Scott spotted at Startbucks getting Tessa’s favorite coffee

March 6 – Scott announces partnership with ActionTrailersOntario

+ out for dinner with guy friends / Skating in Komoka rink

+ Tessa media day for Nivea (Toronto)

March 7 – Tessa Breaking the Ice Event for Nivea (Toronto)

March 8 – Tessa does interview for Canadian Living Magazine and business dinner / Scott arrives in Toronto by train + spotted in bar at night

March 9 – Tessa and Scott huge MEDIA DAY in Toronto

March 10 – Tessa and Scott at Leafs Game (get personalized jerseys) + Scott at sports bar and Tessa at bar with The Arkells (bars across from each other)

March 12 – Training with Sam new Michael Jackson number + Tessa has a spa night (Montreal)

March 13 – Training with Sam

March 14 – Training with Sam

March 15 – Training with Sam / ToutLeMondeParle filming / drinks with Mathieu Caron and Sandrine Balthazard at Le Parloir -caves privees

+ Tessa breaking the Ice with Nivea party at rink early in the day

March 16 – Tessa and Scott dinner with Scott and Jamie Livingston and rest of the team at Foxy restaurant in Montreal

March 17 – Scott spotted at bar in London on St Patty’s day

March 18 – Scott spotted with family member (Cara) at the Toronto airport in the morning / Tessa and Kelly do sightseeing in (Venice, California)

March 19 – Tessa and Scott film Ellen Show episode in (Burbank, California)

March 20 – Ellen episode airs and both are spotted at the airport in LA en route to Toronto

March 21 – Scott and Tessa back in London / Scott does spring shoot for Saffron Road

March 22 – Tessa takes over KitCA Instagram account + Scott cameo while training for CSOI (Ilderton Arena)

March 23 – Morning radio interview BX93 + The Taz Show  / Breakfast at The Bag Lady / Training for SOI / Scott trains for hockey game in the afternoon + Tessa gets Molson Canadian beer fridge

(+ Tessa mentions Scott playing the other night hockey wit the Poplar Hill Flyers and scoring a goal)

March 24 – Scott plays in Fire & Ice charity hockey game (Lucan) + tells fans he has to get back to Tessa in the evening

March 25 – Tessa posts from London (TS clips for Gord come out from her living room)

March 26 – Leave for Japan from London airport

************Stars on Ice Japan Tour (March 31 April 8)

Osaka March 31 - April 1

April 1 – Boat night ride in Osaka (Eric, Patrick, Javi and Kaetlyn)

April 2 – Cafe Arabiq afternoon / Tessa does Yoga with Meagan in Osaka

April 3 – Travel day to Yokohama / Bowling Night (Scott, Meagan, Javi, Evgenia, Plushenko)

April 5 – Training in Yokohama

Yokohama April 6-7-8

April 8 – Last show day + karaoke with cast and bowling at night

April 9 - travelling back to Canada

April 11 – Tessa morning Yoga + dinner at Le Vin Papillon (Montreal)

April 12 – Tessa morning photo shoot for Bon Look (Montreal)

April 13 – Tessa spotted in Toronto

April 14 – Tessa and Scott early afternoon speak at Ontario Sports Symposium (Toronto) + sighting dinner together at Fairmount Hotel

April 15 – Tessa and Scott in Hamilton for sit down with Steve Milton for their book (+ possibly attend Patrick's retirement party)

April 16 – Tessa Takeover:YourMorning, TheMarilynDenisShow, TheSocialCTV & EtalkCTV (Toronto)

April 17 – Tessa morning photo shoot with Strong Magazine (Toronto) + Scott morning sighting at Starbucks in London and event with kids at Komoka rink

April 18 – Scott morning visit to Rick Hansen public school (London) + Tessa work out at RevCon (London)

April 19 –  Scott travels to Calgary + Scott visits his niece’s school Prince of Peace (Calgary) + Scott at Calalta Ice Show

April 20 – Tessa and Scott Classroom Champions luncheon panel (Calgary)

April 21 – Scott at MoirsSkateShop + restaurant picking up food / Tessa at home watching the Leafs game (London)

April 22 – Tessa and Scott spotted at Toronto airport and dinner with SOI cast at night (Halifax)

April 23 – Scott and the guys go out to AleHouse (Halifax)

April 24 – Tessa, Scott and Jeffrey dinner at The Bicycle Thief (Halifax)

April 25 – Scott and Patrick at AleHouse (Halifax)

************Stars on Ice Tour (April 27 - May 17)

April 27 HALIFAX

April 28 – Cast hanging out in Ottawa + Greg Kolz bday dinner

April 29 OTTAWA

April 30 – TS spotted at dinner (anon report from Montreal)

May 1 – TS training at Gadbois in the morning + Tessa business lunch at Ritz Carlton 

May 2 MONTREAL

May 3 – Tessa and Scott at Raptors game + meet Drake

May 4 TORONTO (TS spotted at hotel + Scott morning coaching with a team at Toronto Cricket Club) Scott podcast with Scott Livingston released

May 5 HAMILTON + Tessa podcast with Scott Livingston released

May 6 LONDON + TS leave venue together in a white car + Scott spotted at Molly’s Pub and an Italian restaurant with family 

May 7 –  Scott at Oxbow public school in the morning + Tessa photoshoot for Saffron Road in the morning and co-hosting an event with Saffron Road in the evening (London)

May 8 – Tessa morning shoot for House and Home Magazine + announces endorsement for HelloFresh Canada. Tessa flew to Winnipeg in the evening + Scott spotted at restaurant in Winnipeg evening with SOI cast

May 9 WINNIPEG (TS and Patrick lunch at Stella’s Plug)

+ Scott attends a birthday party for Greg Kolz (photographer) (unknown if others are in attendance)

May 10 – TS spotted around Winnipeg with the cast morning + TS/Weapo spotted in downtown + Cast flew in the evening + TS spotted at the Rook and Raven Tavern in Saskatoon

May 11 SASKATOON  (Boys breakfast together)

May 12 CALGARY

May 13 EDMONTON – Scott out with the boys at Sherlock’s Pub

May 14 – TS + Cast fly to Victoria and Scott at Irish Times Pub in the early evening

May 15 VICTORIA – TS spotted together (fan reports) she did not share pics out of respect for privacy

May 16 – Cast travels to Vancouver on ferry + TS dinner with Dominick Gauthier and Jenn Heil near Gastown

May 17 VANCOUVER + TESSA’s BIRTHDAY!! + Scott gives training advice in the morning at Burnaby 8 Rinks with theintelsc + Tessa and Scott take pics with a cake for Tessa from the bakery 

May 18 – travel to South Korea

May 19 – practice for All That Skate

************ALL THAT SKATE Tour (May 20 - May 22) Mokdong, South Korea

May 23 – traveled at 4 am to Japan – practice later

************Fantasy on Ice Tour (May 25 - July 1st)

May 25 MAKUHARI

May 26 MAKUHARI

May 27 MAKUHARI

May 28 – Tessa posts about work out at Park Hyatt Tokyo

May 29 – Tessa does photo shoot for Vogue Japan in Tokyo (Scott met with her after shoot was done and looked over the pics)

May 30 – Scott (maybe Tessa) spotted travelling with the cast by train (Scott had her luggage)

May 31 – Tessa Scott Jeff and Javi out for Sushi in Kanazawa

(Vogue editor Nayumi Nakamura posts insta story having a meal with Tessa and Scott…date could be from May 29)

JUNE 1 KANAZAWA

JUNE 2 KANAZAWA

JUNE 3 KANAZAWA + travel to Belgium from Tokyo

June 4 – Tessa posts about eating ice cream + sightseeing with Scott in Antwerp

June 5 – Tessa and Scott out and about in Antwerp: visiting museums, sightseeing, shoe shopping, eating waffles,Tutu shop etc. + RELEASE of Tessa’s new H&B line + Thank You Canada Tour announcement 

June 6 – Tessa and Scott out to dinner with trip guests

*************Gold Medal Plates Trip  June 7 - 14, 2018****************

June 7 – Tessa napped before the speech (Scott texted back to Jen Reid) both gave welcoming guests + group dinner 

June 8 – Scott bike tour around Antwerp + TS announce being advocates for #abusefreesport

June 9 –  Morning visit to the market in Antwerp + Visit to the Passchendaele Memorial (dinner and concert)

June 10 – Tessa bike tour around Antwerp + Boat trip with music performances + dinner with GMP guests at Elfde Gebod

June 11 – Morning in Belgium Chimay Abbey tour (TS in forest pic) + bus trip to Reims, France + Tessa sightseeing churches

June 12 – Morning tour to G. Tribaut Champagne, France + dinner with guests

June 13 – Traveled to Japan from Paris – straight into practice in Kobe

June 14 – Practice day in Kobe 

JUNE 15 KOBE

JUNE 16 KOBE

JUNE 17 KOBE ***<3 (fan reports they were out strolling holding hands at night near their hotel)

June 18 – Lunch with cast at Kobe Chinatown + sightseeing

June 19 – travel day to Niigata

June 20 – Tessa and Scott with Javi go out golfing in Niigata

June 21 – practice day

JUNE 22 NIIGATA + Tessa posts about eating together (pic of her with Scott and Javi but could be from the 20th)

JUNE 23 NIIGATA + Tessa out to dinner with Johnny, Miki, Anna and others.

JUNE 24 NIIGATA

June 25 – Tessa and Kat out for coffee + Tessa Scott Kat and Jeff dinner out in Tokyo

June 26 – Tessa and Kat out shopping in Harajuku + Scott and Jeff shopping nearby + meeting with Vogue Editor at Two Rooms Grill Bar +  dinner with Kat and Jeff at Benkei Umi in the district of Ginza in Tokyo

June 27 – Tessa and Kat Bitove explore Happo-En park

June 28 – Tessa posts about Four Seasons hotel (along with Kat Bitove) 

JUNE 29 SHIZUOKA

JUNE 30 SHIZUOKA

JULY 1 SHIZUOKA

July 3 – Tessa Scott Miki and Alojna go watch a baseball game at Tokyo Dome

July 4 – Tessa posts about playing golf in Susono-Shi Shizuoka 

July 5 - Filming for Japanese TV + Practice for Dreams on Ice in Yokohama + Thank You Ilderton Party Announcement

************Dreams On Ice Tour (July 6-8) Yokohama, Japan

July 9 – Tessa and Scott back to Canada

July 10 - Tessa and Scott Thank You Canada Tour media day (Toronto)

July 11 – Tessa and Scott Acura West gala to introduce new model and support the Trauma Unit + Etalk appearance

July 12 - Tessa spotted Eddingtons of Exeter restaurant + Scott coaching in Ilderton

July 13-15 - Tessa at the DAMM family reunion (probably with Kate and Jordan)

+ Scott spotted at The Singing Chef of London

+ Scott gets a dramatic haircut

July 14 - Scott at farmers' market to give away tickets to locals for the Thank You Ilderton party

July 15 - Scott attends charity golf game (London)

July 16- 17 - Tessa at the cottage

July 17 - Scott spotted at restaurant (Toronto)

July 18 - Tessa and Scott film an episode of Mr. D (Halifax)

July 19 – Scott stops by skating rink to chat with skaters +  attends dinner and meet and greet Team Jacobs Golf Tournament (Sault St Marie)

+ Tessa goes to Playa Del Carmen with Kat Bitove, Allie Grand, and Jessica Mulroney in a wedding related photoshoot (through July 22/23) (Mexico)

July 20 – Scott attends Team Jacobs Charity Golf Tournament (Sault St Marie)

July 21 -- Scott spotted at Moir's Skate Shop

July 23 -- Tessa and Scott announced as inductees to Canada''s Walk of Fame (to be awarded December 1)

July 24 -- Scott spotted at Ilderton Arena to give away tickets to locals for the Thank You Ilderton party

July 25 -- Tessa photoshoot (Toronto)

July 26  -- Tessa photoshoot for Adidas (Toronto)

July 27 -- Scott on radio via phone - The Taz show to promote Thank You Ilderton

July 29 -- Tessa at the cottage - her niece asked her to write, among other things, Tessa, Scott, nail polish and cupcake in the sand

July 31 -- Scott on radio via phone -  The Dave and Rachel show to promote Thank You Ilderton + Tessa spotted in bookstore

August 1 -- Tessa posts a picture at a takeout restaurant and a bookstore

August 2 -- Scott roams Ilderton with his niece to award the winner of decorating for Thank You Ilderton and is photographed at the arena with a black eye (which he got playing softball)

August 3 -- Tessa posts a picture from the cottage

August 4 – Scott and Tessa // Thank You Ilderton Party & Parade

August 6 -- Tessa at the cottage + Hello Fresh fulfillment post

August 9 -- Scott at Quebec Summer Skate (through August 12) (Montreal)

August 11 -- Tessa vacations in France with Kate and Jordan (through August 26)

August 12 -- Scott is announced to be helping Polish ice dance team Plutowska/Flemin 

August 13 -- Scott at Gadbois, helping coach numerous teams (through August 17)

August 17 -- Scott spotted out in Montreal

August 21 -- Anastasia Buscis' Player's Own Voice with Scott's interview is released (recorded weekend of July 20)

August 27 -- Tessa home in London, grocery shopping

August 28 -- Tessa and Scott go to Utah for Visa sponsorship commitment (through Aug 30)

September 2 – Scott’s BDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

September 5 -- picture posted of Scott in Florida (exact trip dates: unknown) + Tessa spotted for lunch with friends at The Bag Lady (London)

September 6 -- Scott Hamilton and Friends charity skate announced for November

September 8 -- Scott attends a wedding in Ilderton

September 11 -- Scott spotted in London

September 12 -- Tessa and Scott deliver a speech at Ivey Business School in London

September 13 - Tessa and Scott do a joint Hello Fresh promotion + do promotion for their new book

+ picture of Scott posted from Fitness Depot, presumably from when he was purchasing gym equipment for TTYCT (London)

September 14 -- Scott participates in the 'toba Cup, a charity golf tournament (near London)

September 17 -- Tessa and Scott in Montreal for TTYCT preparation

September 18 -- Tessa and Scott attend Soiree des Olympians (Montreal)

September 19 - Tessa appears on Marina Orsini promoting Nivea + Tessa, Scott and Sam outdoor filming for TTYCT

September 20 -- Tessa and Scott win Canadian Sports Awards for Performance of the Year and Partners of the Year (recorded speech)

September 21 -- Tessa and Scott announced as guest athletes on two future Great Kitchen Party auction trips to Mallorca and Newfoundland  + Tessa attends dinner with BonLook

September 22 -- group rehearsals start for TTYCT

September 27 - media day for TTYCT + Tessa does a photoshoot for Adidas + Scott out to dinner with Andrew, Sam, and Marie-France

OCT 2 – BOOK RELEASE (official; copies were available mid-September)

+ Tessa out for very early yoga class with Kaetlyn and Meagan

*****************Thank You Canada Tour (co-produced by T&S)

OCT 5 ABBOTSFORD, BC

OCT 6 KELOWNA BC

+ Tessa has a commercial for The Brick air

Oct 8 - Tessa spotted at West Edmonton Mall with a friend going to the movies + Scott spotted at West Edmonton Mall shopping

OCT 9 GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB

October 11 -- Scott spotted at West Edmonton Mall shopping and observing Weaver/Poje practice

+ Tessa attends spinning class

October 12 -- Scott spotted at lunch at Joey Bell Tower (Edmonton)

OCT 13 PRINCE GEORGE, BC

OCT 14 DAWSON CREEK, BC

October 15 -- Tessa and Scott interviewed on Mandy and Tyler radio show

October 16 -- Tessa and Scott appear on CTV morning show via video to promote TTYCT in Regina + Tessa and Scott appear in Calgary to talk about the Olympics 2026 bid + Tessa does some 'incognito' promotion for their book at Chapters in Chinook

October 17 -- Tessa and Scott do a meet and greet for Canadian Tire (Calgary) + Scott spotted at restaurant

OCT 17 LETHBRIDGE, AB

OCT 18 RED DEER, AB

OCT 19 REGINA, SK

+ Tessa and Scott do early day press rounds to promote TTYCT

OCT 20 MEDICINE HAT, AB

+ Scott spotted outside arena with Andrew learning moves from Elvis

OCT 21 BRANDON, MB

October 23 -- cast stop in Minneapolis; Tessa posts photo of herself at a crosswalk

OCT 25 SAULT ST. MARIE, ON

+ Scott and Elvis spotted at Sault Ste. Marie shopping mall

OCT 26 SUDBURY, ON

+ Tessa and Andrew posed for a pic outside the arena

OCT 27 KITCHENER, ON

OCT 28 MISSISSAGUA, ON (2 shows)

October 29 -- Tessa and Scott attend GKP dinner in Toronto

OCT 31  BARRIE, ON

+ Tessa and Scott do an early meet and greet for Canadian Tire

NOV 1 OSHAWA, ON

NOV 2 SARNIA, ON

NOV 3 LONDON, ON

NOV 4 SAINT CATHARINES, ON

November 5 -- Tessa and Scott do a CTV takeover, co-hosting and guesting on CTV Your Morning, The Social, Etalk!, and Marilyn Dennis (Toronto)

November 6 - Tessa attends a Habitat for Humanity event + Scott attends a Maple Leafs game as part of Air Canada promotion  (Toronto)

November 7 -- Tessa and Scott attend an Air Canada partnership event at Casa Loma (including Tessa's eyebrow raising photo impersonating Victoria Beckham) (Toronto)

NOV 8 KINGSTON, ON

+ Tessa and Scott attend a meal with family members of The Tragically Hip

NOV 9 PETERBOROUGH, ON

+ cast of TTYCT films interview for CBC about the tour, and their future plans (aired November 12)

NOV 10 QUEBEC CITY, QC

NOV 11 MONCTON, NB

+ Tessa and Scott win People's Choice Award for Most Hypeworthy Canadians (via pre-taped video)

NOV 13 SAINT JOHN, NB

+ Scott spotted at Britt's Pub and Eatery (Saint John)

NOV 14 SYDNEY, NS

NOV 15 SUMMERSIDE, PEI - tour stop cancelled due to weather

November 16 - Tessa does an Adidas promotional event (Toronto)

November 17 - Tessa and Scott arrive in Nashville for Scott Hamilton and Friends rehearsals

****November 18 -- Scott Hamilton and Friends Ice Show, and After Show Celebration, benefitting cancer research

November 19 -- Tessa and Scott teach at Scott Hamilton's Champs Camp

November 22 -- spotted at the airport on their way to Newfoundland (Toronto)

November 23 -- TTYCT cast out for dinner and drinks (Saint John's)

NOV 24 SAINT JOHN’S, NL (2 shows)

November 25 - Tessa and Scott spotted in Toronto (conflicting reports if it was at the airport or otherwise)

November 26 - Scott at the Ilderton Arena with young skaters

November 29 - premiere of Mr. D episode in which Tessa and Scott guest-starred (CBC)

November 29 - book signing (Toronto)

+ Tessa and Scott announce plans for another of their own tours in the fall of 2019 (no other Canadian tours for them that year)

+ Tessa and Scott attended Special Olympics Canada Awards 2018 (Toronto) (with Jackie, Scott's original ice dance partner also there)

November 30 - Tessa and Scott attend the Special Olympics Canada Limitless Gala + attend Canada's Walk of Fame event

December 1 -- Tessa and Scott inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame (Toronto) 

December 2 -- television premiere of The Thank You Canada Tour (CTV)  postponed

+ Scott with Steve Mignardi (CSOI and TTYCT driver) celebrating's Steve's granddaughter's birthday + spotted at Bulldog Pub (Oshawa)

December 4 -- Tessa and Scott keynote speakers for Hope in the City luncheon (Victoria)

December 5 – Tessa and Scott keynote speakers Hope in the City breakfast (Vancouver)

December 6 -- book signing/conversation (Vancouver, 2 locations) + taped an interview with CBC q

December 7 -- Tessa and Scott attend a Visa holiday party (Toronto)

+ Tessa's commercial with Becel and Habitat for Humanity airs

December 9 -- Canada's Walk of Fame airs (CTV)

December 10 -- Tessa has a 'top secret' shoot + returns to Montreal for Nivea production

December 11-13 -- Tessa Nivea commercial shoot

December 13 -- CBC q interview airs

December 14 -- CSOI 2018 airs on Radio-Canada

+ Scott in Dominican Republic with Jackie (and through at least December 15)

December 15 - Tessa attends a Nivea event at Elora Apothecary Pharmasave (Elora, Ontario)

December 16 -- Tessa posts a picture from Elora Mill

December 18 -- social media photo of Tessa posted at her mom's house

December 19 -- podcast with Scott on Inside Sports with Reid Wilkins and guest host Kaetlyn Osmond (at time of recording he was in Tampa, Florida)

+ Tessa's photoshoot for Wedding Vacation Magazine comes out

December 20 -- CSOI 2018 airs on CBC

+ Tessa and Scott named as CBC Athletes of the Year

December 21 -- Tessa spotted at Chapters bookstore

December 22 --  Tessa posts a brand thank you from her London home and an outdoor photo of herself

December 24 -- Scott attends annual Christmas Eve workout at Revolution Conditioning (London) (Tessa 'likes' the group photo posted) + Scott spotted at Masonville mall + Tessa posts about her partnership with Habitat for Humanity/Becel

December 25 -- Tessa posts one of her Christmas trees and a childhood photo

December 26 -- Tessa posts about relaxing at home (London)

December 28 -- Tessa and Scott named Canadian Press Team of the Year

December 30 -- Scott spotted on London to Toronto flight (assumption he flew out of Toronto to Florida for New Year's Eve)

2019

January 3 -- Tessa posts from home (London)

January 4 -- Tessa posts from the cottage (Bayfield) (through at least January 5)

+ Tessa has dinner with a friend from her Saffron Rd. photoshoot

January 7 -- Tessa spotted travelling by plane

+ Scott spotted in Florida (known via very controversial pictures) (PSA: don't be a stalker)

January 8-13 -- Tessa in New York with Kelly playing tourist and doing a photoshoot

January 11 -- Tessa spotted at a spin class (New York)

+ Scott spotted at a restaurant (London)

January 14 -- Tessa and Scott do a photoshoot (Toronto)

January 16 -- Tessa posts about Moir's Skate Shop helping her get new skates

+ Tessa attends a CanSkate class to watch her niece (Komolka)

January 18 -- Tessa does a photoshoot (London) + posts about watching Canadian Nationals (also on January 19)

+ Scott with Patrick, Liam Firus, and Manuel Osborne-Paradis (Whistler, BC)

January 19 -- Scott appears in IG stories snowboarding with Jackie and friends (Whistler)

January 22 -- Tessa posts a photo of herself at a barre class (Detroit)

January 24 -- Tessa does appearances with Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau for Fillactive/Fitspirit as the 2019 ambassador (Toronto)

January 26 -- Tessa posts about a project being filmed with a childhood friend, Katie

January 28 -- Tessa's podcast for Her Mark airs (taped November 9, 2018) + Tessa posts photos from home for Nivea

January 31 -- Tessa does a radio interview (TSN) and a TV appearance (CP24) for Adidas She Breaks Barriers  (Toronto)

February 1 -- Tessa attends Motionball Gala (for Special Olympics) (Toronto)

February 2 -- Tessa posts herself on a train (presumably going back to London)

February 5 -- Tessa attends a SpinCo class + Tessa at Westside studio + Tessa attends Toronto Fashion Week David Dixon show in support of osteoporosis (Toronto)

February 6 --- Tessa at Easter Seals Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner & Auction and gives a speech (Toronto)

February 7 & 8 -- Tessa films for her partnership with The Brick (Toronto)

February 10 -- television premiere of The Thank You Canada Tour (new date) + photo released from January photoshoot promoting TTYCT2

February 11 -- Tessa announces partnership with Air Miles Canada and does numerous interviews (television and radio) highlighting Valentine's Day + pre-tapes interview for the 1 year anniversary of their PyeongChang gold medal (Toronto)

February 13 -- Tessa donated two costumes for charity auction benefitting London Abused Women's Centre + eTalk airs new segments on Tessa's July Mexico trip with Jessica Mulroney

February 17 -- Tessa at fellow ice dancer Lewis Gibson's 9am spin class (Montreal)

February 18 -- Tessa in studio (voiceovers?) for Nivea (Montreal)

February 19 -- Tessa posts a boomerang with Scott recreating their Sympathy for the Devil opening choreography + Scott does an interview with Leafs Nation Network (coming soon) + Tessa and Scott attend a lunch with supporters of Air Canada Foundation (Toronto)

February 20 -- one year anniversary of PyeongChang Olympic gold medal celebrations from Tessa, fans, and media + profile piece on Tessa regarding post-Olympic struggles released by The Walrus + Scott breaks social media hiatus to post an Olympics anniversary thank you to their team + Scott spotted at Moir's Skate Shop (London)

To Be Continued in the Post-One-Year Anniversary timeline

[virtuemoirdailynews]

Post-PyeongChang Timeline #03

Carried over from the original creator and curator, @balletfever89.  Links to her original Post-Sochi timeline and her Post-Comeback timeline, as well as the original version of this timeline, Post-PyeongChang.  Some of the dates may be slightly off, as I’m looking backwards at blogs instead of keeping up as things happen.

=== Feb 9 - 25 WINTER OLYMPICS PYEONGCHANG, South Korea ===

Feb 26 – Tessa and Scott arrive at London

+Scott has family party in Ilderton (Tessa reported sick)

Feb 27 – Scott at bar with friends

March 1 – Tessa attends St Judes Catholic School and talks with kids (London)

+ Scott spotted in Ilderton

+ Nivea officially announces Tessa as ambassador

March 2 – Tessa with Midori + husband got flowers as a gift from her and Liz (London)

March 3 – Scott spotted at Turtle and Crown bar (AilsaCraig, near Ilderton)

March 4 – Tessa spotted (Bayfield)

March 5 – Tessa posts about packing (London) + Scott spotted at Startbucks getting Tessa’s favorite coffee

March 6 – Scott announces partnership with ActionTrailersOntario

+ out for dinner with guy friends / Skating in Komoka rink

+ Tessa media day for Nivea (Toronto)

March 7 – Tessa Breaking the Ice Event for Nivea (Toronto)

March 8 – Tessa does interview for Canadian Living Magazine and business dinner / Scott arrives in Toronto by train + spotted in bar at night

March 9 – Tessa and Scott huge MEDIA DAY in Toronto

March 10 – Tessa and Scott at Leafs Game (get personalized jerseys) + Scott at sports bar and Tessa at bar with The Arkells (bars across from each other)

March 12 – Training with Sam new Michael Jackson number + Tessa has a spa night (Montreal)

March 13 – Training with Sam

March 14 – Training with Sam

March 15 – Training with Sam / ToutLeMondeParle filming / drinks with Mathieu Caron and Sandrine Balthazard at Le Parloir -caves privees

+ Tessa breaking the Ice with Nivea party at rink early in the day

March 16 – Tessa and Scott dinner with Scott and Jamie Livingston and rest of the team at Foxy restaurant in Montreal

March 17 – Scott spotted at bar in London on St Patty’s day

March 18 – Scott spotted with family member (Cara) at the Toronto airport in the morning / Tessa and Kelly do sightseeing in (Venice, California)

March 19 – Tessa and Scott film Ellen Show episode in (Burbank, California)

March 20 – Ellen episode airs and both are spotted at the airport in LA en route to Toronto

March 21 – Scott and Tessa back in London / Scott does spring shoot for Saffron Road

March 22 – Tessa takes over KitCA Instagram account + Scott cameo while training for CSOI (Ilderton Arena)

March 23 – Morning radio interview BX93 + The Taz Show  / Breakfast at The Bag Lady / Training for SOI / Scott trains for hockey game in the afternoon + Tessa gets Molson Canadian beer fridge

(+ Tessa mentions Scott playing the other night hockey wit the Poplar Hill Flyers and scoring a goal)

March 24 – Scott plays in Fire & Ice charity hockey game (Lucan) + tells fans he has to get back to Tessa in the evening

March 25 – Tessa posts from London (TS clips for Gord come out from her living room)

March 26 – Leave for Japan from London airport

************Stars on Ice Japan Tour (March 31 April 8)

Osaka March 31 - April 1

April 1 – Boat night ride in Osaka (Eric, Patrick, Javi and Kaetlyn)

April 2 – Cafe Arabiq afternoon / Tessa does Yoga with Meagan in Osaka

April 3 – Travel day to Yokohama / Bowling Night (Scott, Meagan, Javi, Evgenia, Plushenko)

April 5 – Training in Yokohama

Yokohama April 6-7-8

April 8 – Last show day + karaoke with cast and bowling at night

April 9 - travelling back to Canada

April 11 – Tessa morning Yoga + dinner at Le Vin Papillon (Montreal)

April 12 – Tessa morning photo shoot for Bon Look (Montreal)

April 13 – Tessa spotted in Toronto

April 14 – Tessa and Scott early afternoon speak at Ontario Sports Symposium (Toronto) + sighting dinner together at Fairmount Hotel

April 15 – Tessa and Scott in Hamilton for sit down with Steve Milton for their book (+ possibly attend Patrick’s retirement party)

April 16 – Tessa Takeover:YourMorning, TheMarilynDenisShow, TheSocialCTV & EtalkCTV (Toronto)

April 17 – Tessa morning photo shoot with Strong Magazine (Toronto) + Scott morning sighting at Starbucks in London and event with kids at Komoka rink

April 18 – Scott morning visit to Rick Hansen public school (London) + Tessa work out at RevCon (London)

April 19 –  Scott travels to Calgary + Scott visits his niece’s school Prince of Peace (Calgary) + Scott at Calalta Ice Show

April 20 – Tessa and Scott Classroom Champions luncheon panel (Calgary)

April 21 – Scott at MoirsSkateShop + restaurant picking up food / Tessa at home watching the Leafs game (London)

April 22 – Tessa and Scott spotted at Toronto airport and dinner with SOI cast at night (Halifax)

April 23 – Scott and the guys go out to AleHouse (Halifax)

April 24 – Tessa, Scott and Jeffrey dinner at The Bicycle Thief (Halifax)

April 25 – Scott and Patrick at AleHouse (Halifax)

************Stars on Ice Tour (April 27 - May 17)

April 27 HALIFAX

April 28 – Cast hanging out in Ottawa + Greg Kolz bday dinner

April 29 OTTAWA

April 30 – TS spotted at dinner (anon report from Montreal)

May 1 – TS training at Gadbois in the morning + Tessa business lunch at Ritz Carlton

May 2 MONTREAL

May 3 – Tessa and Scott at Raptors game + meet Drake

May 4 TORONTO (TS spotted at hotel + Scott morning coaching with a team at Toronto Cricket Club) Scott podcast with Scott Livingston released

May 5 HAMILTON + Tessa podcast with Scott Livingston released

May 6 LONDON + TS leave venue together in a white car + Scott spotted at Molly’s Pub and an Italian restaurant with family

May 7 –  Scott at Oxbow public school in the morning + Tessa photoshoot for Saffron Road in the morning and co-hosting an event with Saffron Road in the evening (London)

May 8 – Tessa morning shoot for House and Home Magazine + announces endorsement for HelloFresh Canada. Tessa flew to Winnipeg in the evening + Scott spotted at restaurant in Winnipeg evening with SOI cast

May 9 WINNIPEG (TS and Patrick lunch at Stella’s Plug)

+ Scott attends a birthday party for Greg Kolz (photographer) (unknown if others are in attendance)

May 10 – TS spotted around Winnipeg with the cast morning + TS/Weapo spotted in downtown + Cast flew in the evening + TS spotted at the Rook and Raven Tavern in Saskatoon

May 11 SASKATOON (Boys breakfast together)

May 12 CALGARY

May 13 EDMONTON – Scott out with the boys at Sherlock’s Pub

May 14 – TS + Cast fly to Victoria and Scott at Irish Times Pub in the early evening

May 15 VICTORIA – TS spotted together (fan reports) she did not share pics out of respect for privacy

May 16 – Cast travels to Vancouver on ferry + TS dinner with Dominick Gauthier and Jenn Heil near Gastown

May 17 VANCOUVER + TESSA’s BIRTHDAY!! + Scott gives training advice in the morning at Burnaby 8 Rinks with theintelsc + Tessa and Scott take pics with a cake for Tessa from the bakery

May 18 – travel to South Korea

May 19 – practice for All That Skate

************ALL THAT SKATE Tour (May 20 - May 22) Mokdong, South Korea

May 23 – traveled at 4 am to Japan – practice later

************Fantasy on Ice Tour (May 25 - July 1st)

May 25 MAKUHARI

May 26 MAKUHARI

May 27 MAKUHARI

May 28 – Tessa posts about work out at Park Hyatt Tokyo

May 29 – Tessa does photo shoot for Vogue Japan in Tokyo (Scott met with her after shoot was done and looked over the pics)

May 30 – Scott (maybe Tessa) spotted travelling with the cast by train (Scott had her luggage)

May 31 – Tessa Scott Jeff and Javi out for Sushi in Kanazawa

(Vogue editor Nayumi Nakamura posts insta story having a meal with Tessa and Scott…date could be from May 29)

JUNE 1 KANAZAWA

JUNE 2 KANAZAWA

JUNE 3 KANAZAWA + travel to Belgium from Tokyo

June 4 – Tessa posts about eating ice cream + sightseeing with Scott in Antwerp

June 5 – Tessa and Scott out and about in Antwerp: visiting museums, sightseeing, shoe shopping, eating waffles,Tutu shop etc. + RELEASE of Tessa’s new H&B line + Thank You Canada Tour announcement

June 6 – Tessa and Scott out to dinner with trip guests

*************Gold Medal Plates Trip  June 7 - 14, 2018****************

June 7 – Tessa napped before the speech (Scott texted back to Jen Reid) both gave welcoming guests + group dinner

June 8 – Scott bike tour around Antwerp + TS announce being advocates for #abusefreesport

June 9 –  Morning visit to the market in Antwerp + Visit to the Passchendaele Memorial (dinner and concert)

June 10 – Tessa bike tour around Antwerp + Boat trip with music performances + dinner with GMP guests at Elfde Gebod

June 11 – Morning in Belgium Chimay Abbey tour (TS in forest pic) + bus trip to Reims, France + Tessa sightseeing churches

June 12 – Morning tour to G. Tribaut Champagne, France + dinner with guests

June 13 – Traveled to Japan from Paris – straight into practice in Kobe

June 14 – Practice day in Kobe

JUNE 15 KOBE

JUNE 16 KOBE

JUNE 17 KOBE ***<3 (fan reports they were out strolling holding hands at night near their hotel)

June 18 – Lunch with cast at Kobe Chinatown + sightseeing

June 19 – travel day to Niigata

June 20 – Tessa and Scott with Javi go out golfing in Niigata

June 21 – practice day

JUNE 22 NIIGATA + Tessa posts about eating together (pic of her with Scott and Javi but could be from the 20th)

JUNE 23 NIIGATA + Tessa out to dinner with Johnny, Miki, Anna and others.

JUNE 24 NIIGATA

June 25 – Tessa and Kat out for coffee + Tessa Scott Kat and Jeff dinner out in Tokyo

June 26 – Tessa and Kat out shopping in Harajuku + Scott and Jeff shopping nearby + meeting with Vogue Editor at Two Rooms Grill Bar +  dinner with Kat and Jeff at Benkei Umi in the district of Ginza in Tokyo

June 27 – Tessa and Kat Bitove explore Happo-En park

June 28 – Tessa posts about Four Seasons hotel (along with Kat Bitove)

JUNE 29 SHIZUOKA

JUNE 30 SHIZUOKA

JULY 1 SHIZUOKA

July 3 – Tessa Scott Miki and Alojna go watch a baseball game at Tokyo Dome

July 4 – Tessa posts about playing golf in Susono-Shi Shizuoka

July 5 - Filming for Japanese TV + Practice for Dreams on Ice in Yokohama + Thank You Ilderton Party Announcement

************Dreams On Ice Tour (July 6-8) Yokohama, Japan

July 9 – Tessa and Scott back to Canada

July 10 - Tessa and Scott Thank You Canada Tour media day (Toronto)

July 11 – Tessa and Scott Acura West gala to introduce new model and support the Trauma Unit + Etalk appearance

July 12 - Tessa spotted Eddingtons of Exeter restaurant + Scott coaching in Ilderton

July 13-15 - Tessa at the DAMM family reunion (probably with Kate and Jordan)

+ Scott spotted at The Singing Chef of London

+ Scott gets a dramatic haircut

July 14 - Scott at farmers’ market to give away tickets to locals for the Thank You Ilderton party

July 15 - Scott attends charity golf game (London)

July 16- 17 - Tessa at the cottage

July 17 - Scott spotted at restaurant (Toronto)

July 18 - Tessa and Scott film an episode of Mr. D (Halifax)

July 19 – Scott stops by skating rink to chat with skaters +  attends dinner and meet and greet Team Jacobs Golf Tournament (Sault St Marie)

+ Tessa goes to Playa Del Carmen with Kat Bitove, Allie Grand, and Jessica Mulroney in a wedding related photoshoot (through July 22/23) (Mexico)

July 20 – Scott attends Team Jacobs Charity Golf Tournament (Sault St Marie)

July 21 – Scott spotted at Moir’s Skate Shop

July 23 – Tessa and Scott announced as inductees to Canada’’s Walk of Fame (to be awarded December 1)

July 24 – Scott spotted at Ilderton Arena to give away tickets to locals for the Thank You Ilderton party

July 25 – Tessa photoshoot (Toronto)

July 26  – Tessa photoshoot for Adidas (Toronto)

July 27 – Scott on radio via phone - The Taz show to promote Thank You Ilderton

July 29 – Tessa at the cottage - her niece asked her to write, among other things, Tessa, Scott, nail polish and cupcake in the sand

July 31 – Scott on radio via phone -  The Dave and Rachel show to promote Thank You Ilderton + Tessa spotted in bookstore

August 1 – Tessa posts a picture at a takeout restaurant and a bookstore

August 2 – Scott roams Ilderton with his niece to award the winner of decorating for Thank You Ilderton and is photographed at the arena with a black eye (which he got playing softball)

August 3 – Tessa posts a picture from the cottage

August 4 – Scott and Tessa // Thank You Ilderton Party & Parade

August 6 – Tessa at the cottage + Hello Fresh fulfillment post

August 9 – Scott at Quebec Summer Skate (through August 12) (Montreal)

August 11 – Tessa vacations in France with Kate and Jordan (through August 26)

August 12 – Scott is announced to be helping Polish ice dance team Plutowska/Flemin

August 13 – Scott at Gadbois, helping coach numerous teams (through August 17)

August 17 – Scott spotted out in Montreal

August 21 – Anastasia Buscis’ Player’s Own Voice with Scott’s interview is released (recorded weekend of July 20)

August 25  – Scott on a triple date with Jackie M, Cara, and friends at a beer festival (London)

August 27 – Tessa home in London, grocery shopping

August 28 – Tessa and Scott go to Utah for Visa sponsorship commitment (through Aug 30)

September 2 – Scott’s BDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

September 5 – picture posted of Scott at a hospital in Florida with one of Jackie M’s coworker (exact trip dates: unknown) + Tessa spotted for lunch with friends at The Bag Lady (London)

September 6 – Scott Hamilton and Friends charity skate announced for November

September 8 – Scott attends a wedding in Ilderton

September 11 – Scott spotted in London

September 12 – Tessa and Scott deliver a speech at Ivey Business School in London

September 13 - Tessa and Scott do a joint Hello Fresh promotion + do promotion for their new book

+ picture of Scott posted from Fitness Depot, presumably from when he was purchasing gym equipment for TTYCT (London)

September 14 – Scott participates in the ‘toba Cup, a charity golf tournament (near London)

September 17 – Tessa and Scott in Montreal for TTYCT preparation

September 18 – Tessa and Scott attend Soiree des Olympians (Montreal)

September 19 - Tessa appears on Marina Orsini promoting Nivea + Tessa, Scott and Sam outdoor filming for TTYCT

September 20 – Tessa and Scott win Canadian Sports Awards for Performance of the Year and Partners of the Year (recorded speech)

September 21 – Tessa and Scott announced as guest athletes on two future Great Kitchen Party auction trips to Mallorca and Newfoundland  + Tessa attends dinner with BonLook

September 22 – group rehearsals start for TTYCT

September 27 - media day for TTYCT + Tessa does a photoshoot for Adidas + Scott out to dinner with Andrew, Sam, and Marie-France

OCT 2 – BOOK RELEASE (official; copies were available mid-September)

+ Tessa out for very early yoga class with Kaetlyn and Meagan

*****************Thank You Canada Tour (co-produced by T&S)

OCT 5 ABBOTSFORD, BC

OCT 6 KELOWNA BC

+ Tessa has a commercial for The Brick air

Oct 8 - Tessa spotted at West Edmonton Mall with a friend going to the movies + Scott spotted at West Edmonton Mall shopping

OCT 9 GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB

October 11 – Scott spotted at West Edmonton Mall shopping and observing Weaver/Poje practice

+ Tessa attends spinning class

October 12 – Scott spotted at lunch at Joey Bell Tower (Edmonton)

OCT 13 PRINCE GEORGE, BC

OCT 14 DAWSON CREEK, BC

October 15 – Tessa and Scott interviewed on Mandy and Tyler radio show

October 16 – Tessa and Scott appear on CTV morning show via video to promote TTYCT in Regina + Tessa and Scott appear in Calgary to talk about the Olympics 2026 bid + Tessa does some 'incognito’ promotion for their book at Chapters in Chinook

October 17 – Tessa and Scott do a meet and greet for Canadian Tire (Calgary) + Scott spotted at restaurant

OCT 17 LETHBRIDGE, AB

OCT 18 RED DEER, AB

OCT 19 REGINA, SK

+ Tessa and Scott do early day press rounds to promote TTYCT

OCT 20 MEDICINE HAT, AB

+ Scott spotted outside arena with Andrew learning moves from Elvis

OCT 21 BRANDON, MB

October 23 – cast stop in Minneapolis; Tessa posts photo of herself at a crosswalk

OCT 25 SAULT ST. MARIE, ON

+ Scott and Elvis spotted at Sault Ste. Marie shopping mall

OCT 26 SUDBURY, ON

+ Tessa and Andrew posed for a pic outside the arena

OCT 27 KITCHENER, ON

OCT 28 MISSISSAGUA, ON (2 shows)

October 29 – Tessa and Scott attend GKP dinner in Toronto

OCT 31  BARRIE, ON

+ Tessa and Scott do an early meet and greet for Canadian Tire

NOV 1 OSHAWA, ON

NOV 2 SARNIA, ON

NOV 3 LONDON, ON

NOV 4 SAINT CATHARINES, ON

November 5 – Tessa and Scott do a CTV takeover, co-hosting and guesting on CTV Your Morning, The Social, Etalk!, and Marilyn Dennis (Toronto)

November 6 - Tessa attends a Habitat for Humanity event + Scott attends a Maple Leafs game as part of Air Canada promotion  (Toronto)

November 7 – Tessa and Scott attend an Air Canada partnership event at Casa Loma (including Tessa’s eyebrow raising photo impersonating Victoria Beckham) (Toronto)

NOV 8 KINGSTON, ON

+ Tessa and Scott attend a meal with family members of The Tragically Hip

NOV 9 PETERBOROUGH, ON

+ cast of TTYCT films interview for CBC about the tour, and their future plans (aired November 12)

NOV 10 QUEBEC CITY, QC

NOV 11 MONCTON, NB

+ Tessa and Scott win People’s Choice Award for Most Hypeworthy Canadians (via pre-taped video)

NOV 13 SAINT JOHN, NB

+ Scott spotted at Britt’s Pub and Eatery (Saint John)

NOV 14 SYDNEY, NS

NOV 15 SUMMERSIDE, PEI - tour stop cancelled due to weather

November 16 - Tessa does an Adidas promotional event (Toronto)

November 17 - Tessa and Scott arrive in Nashville for Scott Hamilton and Friends rehearsals

****November 18 – Scott Hamilton and Friends Ice Show, and After Show Celebration, benefitting cancer research

November 19 – Tessa and Scott teach at Scott Hamilton’s Champs Camp

November 22 – spotted at the airport on their way to Newfoundland (Toronto)

November 23 – TTYCT cast out for dinner and drinks (Saint John’s)

NOV 24 SAINT JOHN’S, NL (2 shows)

November 25 - Tessa and Scott spotted in Toronto (conflicting reports if it was at the airport or otherwise)

November 26 - Scott at the Ilderton Arena with young skaters

November 29 - premiere of Mr. D episode in which Tessa and Scott guest-starred (CBC)

November 29 - book signing (Toronto)

+ Tessa and Scott announce plans for another of their own tours in the fall of 2019 (no other Canadian tours for them that year)

+ Tessa and Scott attended Special Olympics Canada Awards 2018 (Toronto) (with Jackie, Scott’s original ice dance partner also there)

November 30 - Tessa and Scott attend the Special Olympics Canada Limitless Gala + attend Canada’s Walk of Fame event

December 1 – Tessa and Scott inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame (Toronto)

December 2 – television premiere of The Thank You Canada Tour (CTV) postponed

+ Scott with Steve Mignardi (CSOI and TTYCT driver) celebrating’s Steve’s granddaughter’s birthday + spotted at Bulldog Pub (Oshawa)

December 4 – Tessa and Scott keynote speakers for Hope in the City luncheon (Victoria)

December 5 – Tessa and Scott keynote speakers Hope in the City breakfast (Vancouver)

December 6 – book signing/conversation (Vancouver, 2 locations) + taped an interview with CBC q

December 7 – Tessa and Scott attend a Visa holiday party (Toronto)

+ Tessa’s commercial with Becel and Habitat for Humanity airs

December 9 – Canada’s Walk of Fame airs (CTV)

December 10 – Tessa has a 'top secret’ shoot + returns to Montreal for Nivea production

December 11-13 – Tessa Nivea commercial shoot

December 13 – CBC q interview airs

December 14 – CSOI 2018 airs on Radio-Canada

+ Scott in Dominican Republic with Jackie (and through at least December 15)

December 15 - Tessa attends a Nivea event at Elora Apothecary Pharmasave (Elora, Ontario)

December 16 – Tessa posts a picture from Elora Mill

December 18 – social media photo of Tessa posted at her mom’s house

December 19 – podcast with Scott on Inside Sports with Reid Wilkins and guest host Kaetlyn Osmond (at time of recording he was in Tampa, Florida)

+ Tessa's photoshoot for Wedding Vacation Magazine comes out

December 20 – CSOI 2018 airs on CBC

+ Tessa and Scott named as CBC Athletes of the Year

December 21 – Tessa spotted at Chapters bookstore

December 22 –  Tessa posts a brand thank you from her London home and an outdoor photo of herself

December 24 – Scott attends annual Christmas Eve workout at Revolution Conditioning (London) (Tessa 'likes’ the group photo posted) + Scott spotted at Masonville mall + Tessa posts about her partnership with Habitat for Humanity/Becel

December 25 – Tessa posts one of her Christmas trees and a childhood photo

December 26 – Tessa posts about relaxing at home (London) + Scott spotted at Costco with his family by a fan (Ilderton)

December 28 – Tessa and Scott named Canadian Press Team of the Year

December 30 – Scott spotted on London to Toronto flight (assumption he flew out of Toronto to Florida for New Year’s Eve)

2019

January 3 – Tessa posts from home (London)

January 4 – Tessa posts from the cottage (Bayfield) (through at least January 5)

+ Tessa has dinner with a friend from her Saffron Rd. photoshoot

January 7 – Tessa spotted travelling by plane

+ Scott spotted in Florida (known via very controversial pictures) (PSA: don’t be a stalker)

January 8-13 – Tessa in New York with Kelly playing tourist and doing a photoshoot

January 11 – Tessa spotted at a spin class (New York)

+ Scott spotted at a restaurant (London)

January 14 – Tessa and Scott do a photoshoot (Toronto)

January 16 – Tessa posts about Moir’s Skate Shop helping her get new skates

+ Tessa attends a CanSkate class to watch her niece (Komolka)

January 18 – Tessa does a photoshoot (London) + posts about watching Canadian Nationals (also on January 19)

+ Scott with Patrick, Liam Firus, and Manuel Osborne-Paradis (Whistler, BC)

January 19 – Scott appears in IG stories snowboarding with Jackie and friends (Whistler)

January 22 – Tessa posts a photo of herself at a barre class (Detroit)

January 24 – Tessa does appearances with Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau for Fillactive/Fitspirit as the 2019 ambassador (Toronto)

January 26 – Tessa posts about a project being filmed with a childhood friend, Katie

January 28 – Tessa’s podcast for Her Mark airs (taped November 9, 2018) + Tessa posts photos from home for Nivea

January 31 – Tessa does a radio interview (TSN) and a TV appearance (CP24) for Adidas She Breaks Barriers  (Toronto)

February 1 – Tessa attends Motionball Gala (for Special Olympics) (Toronto)

February 2 – Tessa posts herself on a train (presumably going back to London)

February 5 – Tessa attends a SpinCo class + Tessa at Westside studio + Tessa attends Toronto Fashion Week David Dixon show in support of osteoporosis (Toronto)

February 6 — Tessa at Easter Seals Rogers Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner & Auction and gives a speech (Toronto)

February 7 & 8 – Tessa films for her partnership with The Brick (Toronto)

February 10 – television premiere of The Thank You Canada Tour (new date) + photo released from January photoshoot promoting TTYCT2

February 11 – Tessa announces partnership with Air Miles Canada and does numerous interviews (television and radio) highlighting Valentine’s Day + pre-tapes interview for the 1 year anniversary of their PyeongChang gold medal (Toronto)

February 13 – Tessa donated two costumes for charity auction benefitting London Abused Women’s Centre + eTalk airs new segments on Tessa's July Mexico trip with Jessica Mulroney

February 17 – Tessa at fellow ice dancer Lewis Gibson’s 9am spin class (Montreal)

February 18 – Tessa in studio (voiceovers?) for Nivea (Montreal)

February 19 – Tessa posts a boomerang with Scott recreating their Sympathy for the Devil opening choreography + Scott does an interview with Leafs Nation Network (coming soon) + Tessa and Scott attend a lunch with supporters of Air Canada Foundation (Toronto)

February 20 – one year anniversary of PyeongChang Olympic gold medal celebrations from Tessa, fans, and media + profile piece on Tessa regarding post-Olympic struggles released by The Walrus + Scott breaks social media hiatus to post an Olympics anniversary thank you to their team + Scott spotted at Moir’s Skate Shop (London)

[dreamofawonderfullife]

Timeline - Post Pyeongchang So Far

********************* 2018 *********************

February

Feb 9 - 25 WINTER OLYMPICS PYEONGCHANG, South Korea 

Feb 26 – Tessa and Scott arrive at London + Scott has family party in Ilderton (Tessa reported sick)

Feb 27 – Scott at bar with friends

March 

March 1 – Tessa attends St Judes Catholic School and talks with kids (London) + Scott spotted in Ilderton + Nivea officially announces Tessa as ambassador

March 2 – Tessa with Midori + husband got flowers as a gift from her and Liz (London)

March 3 – Scott spotted at Turtle and Crown bar (AilsaCraig, near Ilderton)

March 4 – Tessa spotted (Bayfield)

March 5 – Tessa posts about packing (London) + Scott spotted at Startbucks getting Tessa’s favorite coffee

March 6 – Scott announces partnership with ActionTrailersOntario + out for dinner with guy friends / Skating in Komoka rink + Tessa media day for Nivea (Toronto)

March 7 – Tessa Breaking the Ice Event for Nivea (Toronto)

March 8 – Tessa does interview for Canadian Living Magazine and business dinner / Scott arrives in Toronto by train + spotted in bar at night

March 9 – Tessa and Scott huge MEDIA DAY in Toronto

March 10 – Tessa and Scott at Leafs Game (get personalized jerseys) + Scott at sports bar and Tessa at bar with The Arkells (bars across from each other)

March 12 – Training with Sam new Michael Jackson number + Tessa has a spa night (Montreal)

March 13 – Training with Sam

March 14 – Training with Sam

March 15 – Training with Sam / ToutLeMondeParle filming / drinks with Mathieu Caron and Sandrine Balthazard at Le Parloir -caves privees

+ Tessa breaking the Ice with Nivea party at rink early in the day

March 16 – Tessa and Scott dinner with Scott and Jamie Livingston and rest of the team at Foxy restaurant in Montreal

March 17 – Scott spotted at bar in London on St Patty’s day

March 18 – Scott spotted with family member (Cara) at the Toronto airport in the morning / Tessa and Kelly do sightseeing in (Venice, California)

March 19 – Tessa and Scott film Ellen Show episode in (Burbank, California)

March 20 – Ellen episode airs and both are spotted at the airport in LA en route to Toronto

March 21 – Scott and Tessa back in London / Scott does spring shoot for Saffron Road

March 22 – Tessa takes over KitCA Instagram account + Scott cameo while training for CSOI (Ilderton Arena)

March 23 – Morning radio interview BX93 + The Taz Show  / Breakfast at The Bag Lady / Training for SOI / Scott trains for hockey game in the afternoon + Tessa gets Molson Canadian beer fridge (+ Tessa mentions Scott playing the other night hockey wit the Poplar Hill Flyers and scoring a goal)

March 24 – Scott plays in Fire & Ice charity hockey game (Lucan) + tells fans he has to get back to Tessa in the evening

March 25 – Tessa posts from London (TS clips for Gord come out from her living room)

March 26 – Leave for Japan from London airport

Stars on Ice Japan Tour (March 31 April 8)

Osaka March 31 - April 1

April 

April 1 – Boat night ride in Osaka (Eric, Patrick, Javi and Kaetlyn)

April 2 – Cafe Arabiq afternoon / Tessa does Yoga with Meagan in Osaka

April 3 – Travel day to Yokohama / Bowling Night (Scott, Meagan, Javi, Evgenia, Plushenko)

April 5 – Training in Yokohama

Yokohama April 6-7-8

April 8 – Last show day + karaoke with cast and bowling at night

April 9 - travelling back to Canada

April 11 – Tessa morning Yoga + dinner at Le Vin Papillon (Montreal)

April 12 – Tessa morning photo shoot for Bon Look (Montreal)

April 13 – Tessa spotted in Toronto

April 14 – Tessa and Scott early afternoon speak at Ontario Sports Symposium (Toronto) + sighting dinner together at Fairmount Hotel

April 15 – Tessa and Scott in Hamilton for Chiddy’s retirement party

April 16 – Tessa Takeover:YourMorning, TheMarilynDenisShow, TheSocialCTV & EtalkCTV (Toronto)

April 17 – Tessa morning photo shoot with Strong Magazine (Toronto) + Scott morning sighting at Starbucks in London and event with kids at Komoka rink

April 18 – Scott morning visit to Rick Hansen public school (London) + Tessa work out at RevCon (London)

April 19 – Tessa and Scott travel to Calgary + Scott visits his niece’s school Prince of Peace (Calgary) + Scott at Calalta Ice Show

April 20 – Tessa and Scott Classroom Champions luncheon panel (Calgary)

April 21 – Scott at MoirsSkateShop + restaurant picking up food / Tessa at home watching the Leafs game (London)

April 22 – Tessa and Scott spotted at Toronto airport and dinner with SOI cast at night (Halifax)

April 23 – Scott and the guys go out to AleHouse (Halifax)

April 24 – Tessa, Scott and Jeffrey dinner at The Bicycle Thief (Halifax)

April 25 – Scott and Patrick at AleHouse (Halifax)

************Stars on Ice Tour (April 27 - May 17)

April 27 HALIFAX

April 28 – Cast hanging out in Ottawa + Greg Kolz bday dinner

April 29 OTTAWA

April 30 – TS spotted at dinner (anon report from Montreal)

May 

May 1 – TS training at Gadbois in the morning + Tessa business lunch at Ritz Carlton

May 2 MONTREAL

May 3 – Tessa and Scott at Raptors game + meet Drake

May 4 TORONTO (TS spotted at hotel + Scott morning coaching with a team at Toronto Cricket Club) Scott podcast with Scott Livingston released

May 5 HAMILTON + Tessa podcast with Scott Livingston released

May 6 LONDON + TS leave venue together in a white car + Scott spotted at Molly’s Pub and an Italian restaurant with family

May 7 –  Scott at Oxbow public school in the morning + Tessa photoshoot for Saffron Road in the morning and co-hosting an event with Saffron Road in the evening (London)

May 8 – Tessa morning shoot for House and Home Magazine + announces endorsement for HelloFresh Canada. Tessa flew to Winnipeg in the evening + Scott spotted at restaurant in Winnipeg evening with SOI cast

May 9 WINNIPEG (TS and Patrick lunch at Stella’s Plug)

May 10 – TS spotted around Winnipeg with the cast morning + TS/Weapo spotted in downtown + Cast flew in the evening + TS spotted at the Rook and Raven Tavern in Saskatoon

May 11 SASKATOON (Boys breakfast together)

May 12 CALGARY

May 13 EDMONTON – Scott out with the boys at Sherlock’s Pub

May 14 – TS + Cast fly to Victoria and Scott at Irish Times Pub in the early evening

May 15 VICTORIA – TS spotted together (fan reports) she did not share pics out of respect for privacy

May 16 – Cast travels to Vancouver on ferry + TS dinner with Dominick Gauthier and Jenn Heil near Gastown

May 17 VANCOUVER + TESSA’s BIRTHDAY!! + Scott gives training advice in the morning at Burnaby 8 Rinks with the intelsc + Tessa w/Scott at BlueBirdBakery getting her bday cake

May 18 – travel to South Korea

May 19 – practice for All That Skate

************ALL THAT SKATE Tour (May 20 - May 22) Mokdong, South Korea

May 23 – traveled at 4 am to Japan – practice later

************Fantasy on Ice Tour (May 25 - July 1st)

May 25 MAKUHARI

May 26 MAKUHARI

May 27 MAKUHARI

May 28 – Tessa posts about work out at Park Hyatt Tokyo

May 29 – Tessa does photo shoot for Vogue Japan in Tokyo (Scott met with her after shoot was done and looked over the pics)

May 30 – Scott (maybe Tessa) spotted travelling with the cast by train (Scott had her luggage)

May 31 – Tessa Scott Jeff and Javi out for Sushi in Kanazawa 

(Vogue editor Nayumi Nakamura posts insta story having a meal with Tessa and Scott…date could be from May 29)

June

JUNE 1 KANAZAWA

JUNE 2 KANAZAWA

JUNE 3 KANAZAWA + travel to Belgium from Tokyo

June 4 – Tessa posts about eating ice cream + sightseeing with Scott in Antwerp

June 5 – Tessa and Scott out and about in Antwerp: visiting museums, sightseeing, shoe shopping, eating waffles,Tutu shop etc. + RELEASE of Tessa’s new H&B line + Thank You Canada Tour announcement

June 6 – Tessa and Scott out to dinner with trip guests

*************Gold Medal Plates Trip  June 7 - 14, 2018****************

June 7 – Tessa napped before the speech (Scott texted back to Jen Reid) both gave welcoming guests + group dinner

June 8 – Scott bike tour around Antwerp + TS announce being advocates for #abusefreesport

June 9 –  Morning visit to the market in Antwerp + Visit to the Passchendaele Memorial (dinner and concert)

June 10 – Tessa bike tour around Antwerp + Boat trip with music performances + dinner with GMP guests at Elfde Gebod

June 11 – Morning in Belgium Chimay Abbey tour (TS in forest pic) + bus trip to Reims, France + Tessa sightseeing churches

June 12 – Morning tour to G. Tribaut Champagne, France + dinner with guests

June 13 – Traveled to Japan from Paris – straight into practice in Kobe

June 14 – Practice day in Kobe

JUNE 15 KOBE

JUNE 16 KOBE

JUNE 17 KOBE ***<3 (fan reports they were out strolling holding hands at night near their hotel)

June 18 – Lunch with cast at Kobe Chinatown + sightseeing

June 19 – travel day to Niigata

June 20 – Tessa and Scott with Javi go out golfing in Niigata

June 21 – practice day

JUNE 22 NIIGATA + Tessa posts about eating together (pic of her with Scott and Javi but could be from the 20th)

JUNE 23 NIIGATA + Tessa out to dinner with Johnny, Miki, Anna and others.

JUNE 24 NIIGATA

June 25 – Tessa and Kat out for coffee + Scott spotted by fan at bar in Tokyo

June 26 – Tessa and Kat out shopping in Harajuku + Scott and Jeff shopping nearby + meeting with Vogue Editor at Two Rooms Grill Bar

June 27 – Tessa and Kat Bitove explore Happo-En park

June 28 – Tessa posts about Four Seasons hotel (along with Kat Bitove)

JUNE 29 SHIZUOKA

JUNE 30 SHIZUOKA

July 

JULY 1 SHIZUOKA

************Dreams On Ice Tour (July 6-8) Kose, Japan

July 20 – Scott attends Team Jacobs Charity Golf Tournament (Sault St Marie)

[illyria-and-her-pet]

Going through the ice dance thread on FSU right now and found some things about the Tango Romantica.

Fabian Bourzat is such a legend for getting the rocker included as one of the Tango Romantica key points.

Also here I’m fine with what Gabi said about it being difficult to hit key points, while keeping the original design/vision of the dance. But Gui’s quote about dance not being designed to have key points and how Torvill/Dean would never take the key points is SO ANNOYING. It’s true that in compulsories there weren’t key points, so the skaters didn’t really hit them (oof I’ve watched basically every Tango Romantica compulsory on YouTube and the only key point most teams really hit was section 2, key point 4), but this is a sport! Sport evolves and it’s not the 80s anymore like when Torvill/Dean skated. Also Gabi has been hitting the XF-LFO-Rocker key point, so Gui can try hitting it too! Tho lucky for Gadbois that levels don’t matter anymore with 0.5 base value difference and +5 to -5 GOE scale and next season doesn’t even have a pattern, but yeah...

Also I’ve been finally letting out all my ice dance opinions, so I’m gonna admit that I have a soft spot for Gabi Papadakis. I admire how she’s outspoken about social issues even though she’s still competing. For example, she’s open about LGBT rights, consent, women’s rights, the Brazilian election, immigration, how we need to be outspoken about the gassing of children at the US border, Palestine, racism, charities against endometriosis and shares articles about female atheletes dealing with their period, etc. I think her skating skills have improved. I think she has great interpretation. I think her friendships with other skaters are very cute. 

Also I find the hate she gets so OTT. People have even completely made up stuff to hate on her. Like the 2018 Worlds incident where someone claimed Gabi said she didn’t care about the crowd and then it was proved she said the crowd was crazy (in a good way) not that  she didn’t care about them. Or when people claimed Gabi said P/C’s world records at Worlds proved they would have won the Olympics if it wasn’t for the wardrobe malfunction. Gabi never said that. It was Gui who said that in a radio interview. I don’t get how people think Gabi is the messiest ice dancer when all ice dancers are messy or that she is the messy one in P/C when Gui says things like P/C would have won without wardrobe malfunction or ice dance shouldn’t have key points and Torvill/Dean wouldn’t take them. 

Also Charlie White has been messy before (ie. saying Meryl can do Bollywood & Scheherazade because she is ethnically ambiguous & that's a big thing people want nowadays), but he is called a woke king for being outspoken about social issues. Gabi is outspoken about social issues, but people group her with skaters like Vincent, Courtney, or Meagan like yikes. 

People also act like Gabi is worst ice dancer ever when or that Gui is best ice dancer ever, best ice dancer since Chris Dean, generational talent, etc. (hi B.ESP), while Gabi is a flop who’s beneath him and holding P/C down when it’s not true. Gui used to be better than her, but tbh this season Gabi has actually been stronger imo. Imo Gabi has always had stronger interpretation, but this season I find her better overall in both the RD and FD, but especially the FD. She is hitting the rocker key point, her one foot step sequence has better edge quality than Gui, and her upper body is better cause she’s always had beautiful arms, but Gui’s posture has been a mess this season... He won’t stop hunching his back omg. 

[icedanceupstarts]

2019 Canadian Nationals Preview

The skating video takedown situation gets more desperate by the day, but we persevered! 

Laurence Fournier-Beaudry/ Nikolaj Sorensen

Age: 26/29

Started Skating Together: 2012

Coach: Marie-France Dubreuil, Patrice Lauzon, Romain Haguenauer

Season's Best: N/A

Rhythm Dance: Adios Nonino

Free Dance: Environmentally Conscious Flamenco

Our newest Canadians are back and more than ready to fight for that third spot, with a great new rhythm dance and a recycled and updated version of their free dance from last season. They're a really appealing team, with an elegance, maturity, and strong connection only highlighted by their programs this season. They're one of the teams trying for a tango that's less about flair and drama and more about the tension and connection between them, and for our money it's the most successful of that genre. Their flamenco free dance is still great when tweaked for this season's rules, and you can tell how comfortable they are with it. While they've been unable to compete internationally, they've been doing well at domestic comps and beat Soucisse/Firus in the rhythm dance by half a point at the Quebec Summer Championships. If they continue to deliver at Nationals, the Canadanes have every chance to win the bronze.

Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier

Age: 27/27

Started Skating Together: 2011

Coach: Carol Lane, Jon Lane, Juris Razgulajevs

Season's Best: 201.27

Rhythm Dance: It Takes Two to Twizzle

Free Dance: Lose An Ear, Not Your Levels

This team seems to always be on the cusp of a true breakthrough into the upper ranks. This isn't the first time they've had champion level programs, or the first time they've been in position to beat Weaver/Poje, which they did manage last year due to a disaster in the short dance from their teammates. Gilles/Poirier have all the goods to compete at the top, but they've always been a little hit and miss on their levels, and have been known to falter at big opportunities. They took out the tricky change-of-level twizzles in the rhythm dance after their struggles at IdF, and looked much steadier at Golden Spin.

If they can put it all together, nail their levels while also providing the elegant, stately performance of their rhythm dance as they proved capable of at Nebelhorn and Golden Spin, and the captivating performance of their Skate Canada free dance, they're not just looking at a national title for Piper's birthday, but a shot at a world medal at the end of the season.

Haley Sales/Nikolas Wamsteeker

Age: 22/22

Started Skating Together: 2014

Coach: Megan Wing, Aaron Lowe

Season's Best: 150.23

Rhythm Dance: Two Bun Tango(starts at 29:00)

Free Dance: Celine Dion Medley

Sales/Wamsteeker are a young team in their third senior season who should be proud of the progress they've made, especially as not many Canadian teams survived The Great Canadian Dance Splitenings of 2016 and 2018. 2018 was a solid year for them, making their first 4CC team and then making their senior GP debut with a host spot at Skate Canada, where they even placed #notlast. They were just off the podium at US Classic, and were third in the rhythm dance there. We keep being surprised at how much we like their tango-- they have a nice, quiet intensity to them and strong choreography well designed to show both the character of the tango and their long lines. They have a nice security to their skating and strong elements, and we're still a little tickled by their matching hair buns. They are solid lifters and we especially like their choreographic lift that perfectly plays off the build in their music to end their free dance on a high note. While they're not likely to challenge for a medal, they should make the National Team again and be able to prepare to continue to climb the ranks next season and hold off the baby seniors that will be swarming the ranks next season.

Carolane Soucisse/ Shane Firus

Age: 23/24

Started Skating Together: 2016

Coach: Marie-France Dubreuil, Patrice Lauzon, Romain Haguenauer

Season's Best: 172.27

Rhythm Dance: Electric Tango Rapping

Free Dance: I Won't Dance Deja Vu

The reigning Four Continents Championships silver medalists have had a bit of a rough season so far, suffering an injury over the summer and then struggling through their performances in the fall. They were on an upswing by the end, having finally found their footing at NHK Trophy, and hopefully they'll continue to build on that here at Nationals. They're a really great team, and fairly young too with a lot of time to develop. Unfortunately their development has hit a bit of a snag after their breakout last season. They're still great skaters, but their programs haven’t been a natural fit for them this season, which obscures both that their programs are some of the best choreography to come out of Gadbois this season, and their own natural talents and improvements made since last season. Every time out their performances get sharper and more engaged and highlight the musicality of their choreo better, but they're still having to focus to bring all that out. You can tell they're still not entirely comfortable with their packaging this season, and it's lead to them making a number of silly mistakes. All of this is probably why Soucisse/Firus elected to bring back their hit free dance from last year, a fun, light quickstep/foxtrot program that perfectly suits their strengths. It remains to be seen how quickly they have gotten the dust off and updated it for this season's rules, but it should at least give them a psychological boost if nothing else. Their biggest competitors Fournier-Beaudry/Sorensen are also using their free dance from last season, so they'll be even there. If they can perform their free dance with the lightness and charm of last season and avoid the silly mistakes they've been making, they have every shot at the podium this week.

Kaitlyn Weaver/ Andrew Poje

Age: 29/31

Started Skating Together: 2006

Coach: Nikolai Morozov, part time with Igor Shpilband and Pasquale Carmerlengo

Season's Best: 197.27

Rhythm Dance: Give Me Libertango or Give Me Death

Free Dance: Ugly Crying: The Free Dance

The reigning world bronze medalists are back from their hiatus, and ready to take back their national title. They've had a lot of ups and downs over the past four years, and needed time off of competition to recharge. Now they have a new, unconventional coaching setup and some of their best programs in awhile, with possibly our favorite free dance of theirs to date. Their rhythm dance is a little soft for our personal tastes, but that's a feature not a bug. They're evoking exactly the mood they're going for, a softer more romantic take on the tango than other teams generally go for, or what they themselves have done in the past. They're not the strongest twizzlers in the field, which speaks more to the shocking progress ice dancers have made on twizzles than any defects from Weaver/Poje themselves. As you likely know, their free dance is a tribute to Denis Ten, but is a powerful and emotional vehicle in its own right without that backstory.

7th highest score this season is not bad at all, especially when you consider that they peaced out in September. It took Gilles/Poirier four tries to surpass it, which bodes well for Weaver/Poje's attempts to reclaim their title. One big question will be technical. Their levels were decent for September, but they haven't competed since then and it's hard to gauge whether they've improved or regressed on that front, as show skating isn't the best measure of that. They have had a lot of time to refine and polish the performance aspect, which is no small thing, and could make the difference. The veterans of the field will bring all their power and maturity to the competition, and they're not going down without a fight.

[shipwreckseemssweet]

Figure skating: GP series 2018 Favourites

For a post-Olympic season, I have to say many figure skaters are looking really sharp. Not only is Yuzuru wildin'- new ground is being broken in Ladies'. In all disciplines, new and old rivals are stepping up to become contenders in the new quadrennial. It's great to see „older“ skaters not throwing in the towel, but still forging forward. (Vanessa and Morgan just won their first GPF. Dai is back at 32 – he burnt his suits and bleached his hair). We're so privileged to still have Yuzuru around; despite his injury he's the class of the field. Underlying this push for excellence is the revamped IJS scoring. Emphasizes quality over quantity, the system now aims to widen the creative aspects of FS, sanction errors more harshly and reward more complete skaters (at least in theory *shade*).

Below is my proudly biased list of some standout programs/performances from this season’s first half, mainly GP events. Also, ISU rights holders are looking to delete all YT FS fan channels and kill the sport once and for all. Fingers crossed the links are still working.

ICE DANCE (For the record: I miss GOATs Virtue/Moire tremendously.)

1. Tango Romantica Rhythm Dance

Victoria Sinitsina / Nikita Katsalapov „Verano Porteño“ by Astor Piazzolla

Perhaps the best RD this season. Beautiful composition and choreography: suits the skater's satiny skating skills and the sharp, sensual movements I expect from a tango.

Charlene Guignard/Marco Fabbri „Miedo a la Liberdad“ by Tanghetto

Their technique is like clockwork, smooth and precise; impressive body lines. A true classy tango. With an extra infusion of emotion, their GPF performance really shone. In fact, I could easily make a case for them winning the event outright. :-/

Piper Gilles / Paul Poirier „Angelica's Tango“ by Piernicola Di Muro

I just love how different, creative and straightforward these two are. Does Paul grow his mustache for the RD only to shave it off for the Free? :)

Special mention: Alex Stepanova / Ivan Bukin „Malagueña“ by Blast and “Carmen“ by Edith Piaf

Very modern and sizzling. (Sasha's dress is art.) The dance gives off a dramatic Paso Doble feel which then transitions into a Tango. This version still had their signature sit twizzles in it. *cries*

Shiyue Wang / Xinyu Liu „Pirates of the Caribbean“ OST by Hans Zimmer

Unorthodox, but fun and original. Their lifts are stunningly acrobatic. Great edges, too. (This is from Autumn Classic where they hit almost all pattern levels.)

2. Free Dance

Piper Gilles / Paul Poirier „Starry Starry Night“ original composition by Govardo

One of their best Dances. A story of the pain and struggle of Vincent Van Gogh and the starry night he famously drew. Poignant and full of beautiful, creative details.

Alex Stepanova / Ivan Bukin „Am I the One“ by Beth Hart

Hands down their best program. I love how they wear this rock and modern look. Even if they keep losing levels, their technical improvements finally feel merged with better projection and connection between them. Every second of it is exciting, sexy and hot.

Lilah Fear / Lewis Gibson „Bad Girls“ and „On the Radio“ by Donna Summer

Welcome to the disco! An unexpected favorite from the Brits. Their lifts pop out with the music and the sliding choreography is badass. (How refreshing to have a Gadbois team without MFL!)

Special mention: Avonley Nguyen / Vadim Kolesnik „Demons“ by Imagine Dragons & „Experience“ by Einaudi

A shout-out to this wonderful Junior pair. I'm blown away by their musicality and unapologetic emotional performances. Moreover, they already have superb skating skills and speed. The future of ID looks good.

SINGLES (What is consistent judging?)

3. Ladies Short Program

Satoko Miyahara “Song for the Little Sparrow“ by Abel Korneziowski 

When you look up „elegance“, „musicality“ or „sophistication“ in the dictionary, you find there Satoko. Best skating skills and interpretation of the whole field, in the service of Edith Piaf.

Rika Kihira “Claire de Lune“ by Debussy

We waited a long time for her to skate it clean, but when she finally did, it was magical. The choreo is not exactly pioneering, but Rika's lightness and elegance give it a youthful, ethereal beauty that lights up the ice. Love how unexpected her versatility is. The effortless triple Axel is the cherry on top.

Alyona Kosternaya „Departure“ by Max Richter

The Superior Junior Lady. Alyona has the ability to interpret the music with her skating, body and eyes. A masterclass in how to hold positions and use arms. I don't like her programs this year. Still, she remains enchanting to watch.

Special mention: Yuna Shiraiwa „All Aboard“ by Club des Belugas

Quirky, dynamic and full of interesting details.

4. Ladies Free Skate

Kaori Sakamoto „The Piano“ OST by Michael Nyman

I love how it sneaks up on you. Kaori struck gold when she teamed up with young choreographer Benoit. He understands her gifts very well: this program gently accentuates her feather-light jumps and flow. The story follows a mute woman in a remote beach town trying to get back her piano, losing a finger along the way (eeks) and nearly drowning before resurfacing: it suits Kaori's quirky personality.

Satoko Miyahara “Invierno Porteño“ by Astor Piazzolla

Satoko and Tango are a dream team. She doesn't just skate to the music, she lives with it. It's nice to see she attempting to retool her jumping technique, which is no small feat.

Rika Kihira „Beautiful Storm“ by Jennifer Thomas

This disruptive masterpiece is hopefully just a first breath of what is to come from Rika. Her unique bland of dramatic and soft movements conveys a dramatic and awesome storm. It's as if the electrons are passing from the sky through her body in a beautiful interpretation. Her last jump is against silence. And then the thunder strikes... She is already such a well-rounded and charismatic skate. :)

5.  Yuzuru Hanyu Short Program „Otoñal“ by Raul Di Blasio

Unfortunately I haven't been watching Men much, except for Yuzuru. I also ”discovered” Kevin Aymoz, a very creative and talented French skater, along the way.

In his short, Yuzu opted for the theme of Autumn as a nostalgic period for reflection and that shows throughout the performance, from the technical elements (his 4S is a tribute to Javi *tears up*) to the details in the choreo, to how he picks up every note. Everything is so genuine and purposeful.

Special mention: Deniss Vasiljevs SP „Papa Was a Rollin' Stone“ by Norman Whitfield

Those yellow pants are quite a choice. ;)

[lazaruspithottub]

Canadian Junior Ice Dance

Last updated: 14/10/18 (14 Oct.)

This is how the whole field stacks up with their JGP bests at the end of the JGP events:

Ages as of update

Lajoie/Lagha (17/19) 166.52 (65.57, 100.95) ~

Fisher/Malette-Paquette (17/20) 152.46 (60.60, 92.12) ~

Bronsard/Bouaraguia (14/17) 140.67 (56.04, 85.01) ~

D’Alessandro/Waddell (14/16) 138.13 (52.94, 85.19) ~

Stairs/Graham (18/20) 136.75 (55,35, 81.40) ^ *

Fabbri/Ayer (15/20) 135.66 (58.53, 78.21) *

McIssac/Circelli (16/16) 134.19 (52.86, 81.33) ~ *

Galiyanova/Lochhead (16/17) 132.58 (52.94, 79.64) ^ *

Makita/Gunara (15/16) 127.80 (46.49, 81.31) ^

Bashynska/Beaumont (14/17) 124.57 (47.26, 77.31) ^

^ was only given one JGP assignment

~ choreographed by MF and/or Romain

* new partnership

Lajoie/Lagha are headed off to their second JGPF and looking to medal both there and at junior worlds.

At junior worlds, Canada only has 2 spots in ice dance and looking at how these teams have performed, it seems that Lajoie/Lagha and Fisher/Malette-Paquette are the top two teams and most likely headed there.

The battle at nationals will be for bronze as Bronsard/Bouaraguia and D’Alessandro/Waddell are the bright new stars, both young teams with a long way to go — and particularly with D’A/W, complex choreography that they haven’t quite mastered. We will most likely see them and many of the other teams again at the Skate Canada Challenge from 28 November - 2 December in Edmonton, AB (it will be live-streamed as usual and accessible from the Skate Canada website or daily motion account).

As for the Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, they’re on 14 - 20 January in Saint Johns, NB, and will hopefully also be live streamed.

What I’m looking for with Canadian ice dance at junior worlds is for Lajoie/Lagha to be on the podium (ideally in 1st), and for Canada to gain back 3 spots.

Looking past junior worlds and into the next season, Lajoie/Lagha, with probably by then 3 junior national titles under their belt, have confirmed that they will be moving up to seniors. Due to age restrictions, we will be seeing Stairs/Graham, Fisher/Malette-Paquette and Fabbri/Ayer do the same. Please note: a previous version of this post stated that the later two teams would remain junior eligible for 1 more season, this is incorrect.

Teams that can still compete in juniors next season are as follows with the number of seasons following the 2018-19 season that they remain junior eligible beside as well as the last season that they can compete as juniors

Bronsard/Bouaraguia (14/17) 4 (2022-23)

D’Alessandro/Waddell (14/16) 4 (2022-23)

Bashynska/Beaumont (14/17) 4 (2022-23)

McIssac/Circelli (16/16) 3 (2021-22)

Makita/Gunara (15/16) 3 (2021-22)

Galiyanova/Lochhead (16/17) 3 (2021-22)

In the next few seasons I wouldn’t be surprised to see many of these teams gaining traction (and as many settle into new partnerships, surprise us), but I’m particularly keeping my eye on Bronsard/Bouaraguia and D’Alessandro/Waddell; the later of whom are already national pre-novice and novice champions and will be looking to add a junior title to their resume.

B/B are known for their charismatic, vibrant and engaging performance quality and with training at Gadbois they are surrounded the champions — which is clearly paying off. As they don’t have much experience it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the pressures and ups and downs of competition in terms of consistency and mental preparation, as well as how their 4 year age gap and somewhat of a skill gap fares in maintaining a partnership to seniors and whether she grows etc.

D’A/W can be seen pushing the limits with complex choreography, particularly changes in and out of hold (similarly to a young V/M) and attacking every step with gusto and confidence. These two, however, when they would otherwise have an opportunity to pull ahead, tend to lose levels quite easily and sometimes struggle balancing that with the artistic side of the programs (have a great performance commitment and quality but lose the technical that we know they are capable of achieving). They are very well matched, have made massive strides since last season and seem to have a very positive trajectory looking forwards. Finally, both of these skaters do still compete as singles skaters, training out of TCC. Making the choice between singles and ice dance is something that they will eventually have to do. Seeing how Skate Canada is rewarding them as an ice dance duo and their potential I would be more inclined to want to see them stick to ice dance but understand if they decide that singles suits their aspirations better.

[needsmorepizzazz]

My biggest issue with Gadbois are the overall trends, even in the programs I like. The simpler lifts, the more open and less complicated programs. Even VM spent less time in hold than they did before their comeback(although still far more than anyone in Montreal!) People talk about H/D's increased flow post-Gadbois, but when you take out all the holds and transitions you're naturally going to be more fluid. I just want these trends to reverse.

I completely agree.

I’m so beyond happy we got to see V/M come back and win all the things, but imagine if they’d done that skating more complex programmes?! I will always think fondly of Moulin Rouge because it’s now so associated with TRIUMPH and crying happy tears at 4am, but… they are, for me, the greatest ice dance team the world has seen and they could have done something even more incredible.

There’s no incentive to skate a programme like Carmen now, I rewatched it when I did a V/M retrospective after they won and it just blew me away all over again. It really did push the sport to its limits, and why would you bother doing that now? I think the ISU should look at what constitutes a Level 3, Level 4 etc. rather than widening the GOEs, because if something simple is done beautifully it should absolutely get +3 GOE, but it shouldn’t be valued the same as something more complex that another team can execute to +3.

[anewbeginningagain]

The multiple costumes thing is also about status, something Tessa and her mom understood very well. Skating people are OBSESSED with status, money and conspicuous wealth, just look at all the ugly name brand clothes coaches wear, it's so tacky. It's something Bock understand as well, but HD don't, and it infuriates me because it's holding them back. It SHOULDN'T matter, but it does. Like damn, it's your last season, just go all out in the costume department. Geez.

I debated if to post this ask but what the hell. Obviously, I disagree, not because I don't think that having multiple costumes shows that you can afford them (obviously it does), but because you are (intentionally or not) portraying both Tessa and her mom in a negative light because of it. I also don't think skating people are obsessed with status? Yes, skating is an expensive sport but at the same time, Tessa might be the only skater I can think of who changed that many costumes in one season and we all know there are other skaters who come from way wealthier families. I truly think Tessa's experiments with costumes in 2013/14 were more her trying to find her voice and play with an aspect of skating she probably still liked (while by her own recollection I don't think she liked many aspects of skating that season) and not her (or her mom) trying to scream LOOK AT HER STATUS.

What Chock/Bates understand more than H/D ever did is that PACKAGING matters, it's not just the costuming (though it is a big part of it) but it's the full packaging, it has to be right for the team and right for the programs (and the programs themselves are part of the packaging as well). Fear/Gibson are packaged very well, Stepanova/Bukin are packaged well (for the most part) and of course, P/C had a complete repackaging once they joined Gadbois. H/D had a perfect packaging for the previous Olympic season and have struggled since, I hope they'll get it together for next season.

[macaroni-rascal]

Wax poetry about their lifts please

On the very long, long, long list of things that vm do exceptionally well and better than anyone else, their lifts sit easily among the top three. I definitely think it’s part of the reason that they were/are set apart from the rest of the competition. For me, there are a few things that stand out which contribute to why their lifts are so iconic and so far above anyone else’s

Tessa and Scott’s lifts:

Get integrated seamlessly into the program

Are incredibly musical

Acrobatic, yet precise

Explore varying levels, positions, and shapes

Always in the character of the program

Have equal participation

Hardly ever get reused

Are constantly improving and pushing boundaries

In fact, for that second to last bullet point, the wonderful Tina (@bartowskis) made an entire gifset of different lifts that vm only every used once. 

For the purposes of time and gif space, I’m only going to focus on their senior career, because that is when their lifts really began to emerge as something distinct and unique onto them. 

Get integrated seamlessly into the program

One thing that has always bothered me about lifts in ice dance is that they are just used as tricks to make the audience gasp. Far too often I find they also get telegraphed, more pre-Gadbois days/pre-Canton days, it was very much skatingskating – and here’s a lift – and more skatingskatingskating and there was no rhyme or reason for the lift to be placed where it was, it just needed to be in the program. I think Tessa and Scott were really the first team to utilize lifts in a completely new and interesting way – they made their lifts part of the story of their programs, not just an element to be completed, and I think Valse Triste is one of the best examples of this.

I love the lifts in Valse Triste because they help so much to build the program; the music in this free program starts very slow and sweeping with the violin and the entire beginning of the free dance their movements are very purposeful, drawn out, extended, and sweeping, to match that music. When we get to the first lift, its almost the end of that first part and so they have this wonderful little straight line lift that you do not see coming, Tessa’s arm are lovely, the arch in her back, and the strong base from Scott creates such a lovely picture and creates with sort of “swooning” picture that fits the story they are trying to tell. It is just placed so perfectly, as soon as the lift ends, the music changes and it feels like the next part of the story is about to be told.

Incorporating lifts always ties in with musicality, because they are using the music to add little accents to the lifts. The combination lift is so quick in with Tessa just popping up, grabbing her leg and Scott holding that lovely edge before they go into the rotational aspect. Their rotational lift builds speed and momentum just as the music swells, and their final lift fits the theme so perfectly! They gain speed around the corner as the music becomes frenzied, Tessa lifts her arms into the air right when their is a small break in the music, she changes position, and Scott’s arm comes out as Tessa uses her core to balance right when the music stops and they get back on the ice as the music starts up again. So, as the music starts sweeping and simple, their lift matches, and as the music swells into a flurry, their lift matches, which helps to integrate the lifts and make the program seem like one complete movement and story, not a series of starts and stops and vignettes. 

I think Valse Triste was a perfect little appetizer to what they were working towards and what was in store for their skating careers. 

Are incredibly musical 

Umbrellas was a whole different story – and their short dance that year had one of their one off lifts and a reused an old rotational lifts, and every. single. lift. in their free dance that year, was new. New and wonderfully musical. 

The first lift I think especially is so unbelievably gorgeous. I have talked and ranted at length about how boring I find around the shoulder lifts because they always look labored, the man’s posture is terrible, and the lady’s position is awful…then there are these two, hitting this stunning lift right when the music swells triumphantly, they wait until the singer stops singing, and they hit this lift so quickly and so on time, it feels like the music was composed for the lift, not the other way around.

They are so fast into the first position, Tessa’s legs are extended, there is toe point and Scott is so strong to glide on one foot! And that is all only the first part of the lift, the rest of it is just as lovely and just as musical. The shapes they are creating and how seamlessly it is integrated into the program is just beautiful. This was the year they really started working with acrobats and cirque du soleil as well. And it certainly shows.

Once more, with their straight line lift – it comes right at the end of a piece of singing as the music swells so they are not only creating interesting shapes and adding to the story, they are using the music to make the story come alive and make the flow of the program match the flow of the music, as soon as the lift ends, the singing begins again. Just brilliant.

The last two lifts back to back at the end of the program during the din of the music are so wonderfully effective: how after a stunning step sequence where the singer is crooning “je t’aime je t’aime je t’aime” over and over again to have them choreograph to hug desperately, let go of each other then go into the lift that picks up right when the music does creates a wonderful moment that is only then compounded by the serpentine lift of Tessa standing on Scott’s leg and hitting her position right on the boom of the music and hitting her second position right when the music is beginning to soften – so the exultant position of Tessa standing tall fits the music just as the second position of Tessa upside down and lower fits the music just as well. 

It is no wonder this was their breakout year, the lifts just contributed to the overall impression. 

Acrobatic, yet precise

Now the next year, post surgery, Tessa and Scott still decided to put nothing but new lifts in the free dance yet again, like the legends they truly are. Must give a shoutout to the first iteration of the goose with Scott’s arms on his knees, that some honest to god ridiculousness and such a cool moment, such an interesting balance point. Of course the serpentine lift, The Serpentine Lift, is such an amazing moment, with Tessa literally just diving head first towards the ice as Scott catches her, the changes of position without getting messy, and the last part where they create of a sort of guitar looking shape to match their rock anthem free dance. That curve lift as well, is so interesting, the entrance and Tessa’s position along with Scott’s posture make such a wonderful impression on the ice. 

What I especially love is that even though their lifts became more and more acrobatic, they didn’t loose any of their speed or precision, rather they worked to improve is constantly to the lifts would have even more of an impact. 

Explore varying levels, positions, and shapes

What has always bothered me about lifts in ice dance is when they man holds a base and the lady just flips and flies into all these different positions without ever created a nice picture. To me, it points to a lack of core strength or a desire to hide a lack of extension and posture.

Tessa and Scott cannot relate.

I love that they always maintain a position, even in lifts with changes of positions, they are held long enough to create a gorgeous picture and wonderful effect on the ice. Special shout out to the Farrucas lift for being a perfect example of everything they do well in lifts: the quick, interesting, and acrobatic entrance, the gorgeous position and extension, Scott’s posture and strong base, in the character of the program with the Flamenco hands, right on the music and perfectly integrated. It’s just a masterclass in everything lifts can and should be. I love that Tessa has the core strength to get out of the lift by herself, her free leg doesn’t lose the extension and she just drops her leg and glides smoothly back to the ice.

I couldn’t make a waxing poetic post about their lifts without mentioning The Lift, the VM Lift: the Goose. I’m trying to think of any other team that has an official name of their lift, you have elements in singles named after skaters: the (brian boi)tano, the (adam) rippon, the (nancy) kerrigan spiral, etc. etc. But what other team has a lift so iconic, so recognizable, so unbelievable, as vm?

No one, that’s who.

As an aside, the fact that they learned the most iconic lift in ice dance post Tessa’s first surgery, when they weren’t on the best terms, and then continued to improve it constantly and consistently up until the olympics, makes me feel very soft and tender towards two young Canadian ice dancers. I remember reading, I think it was from their book, that they only started to really get back on terms and work together when they had to figure out a new exit of this lift, because lets not forget, originally, Tessa does a motherfucking half loop jump off of Scott’s thigh to land one footed on the ice, only to change it to maybe the only equally difficult and dangerous exit of Tessa just falling forward into Scott’s arms. I also love the little music lick that happens right when Tessa gets into and holds position, its just radiant ice dance.

The position they create is gorgeous, the parallel arms, the view for the judges where Tessa’s leg is hidden and she looks like she’s floating magically above Scott. Not the mention the exit itself creates a gorgeous position even though it lasts a half a second. I wish I had the words for the emotion this program gives me, but its completely ineffable. 

Across all the lifts vm do in this free dance, they create wonderful shapes and move into varying levels perfectly. Whether Tessa is reaching her hands up to the heavens only to go upside down and right side up again in the rotational lift, or the expansive nature of the goose, the shapes are just gorgeous. 

I especially love the stationary lift! This was during a time when stationary lifts were far more rare in ice dance than they are now, and this lift doesn’t even look like a lift, it just looks like a stunning and interesting transition until you realize the balance point. They get into it so seamlessly, Tessa’s extension and toe point is beautiful, her arm reaching up only to come down and wrap around Scott’s neck as if they aren’t defying gravity and physics, but are just in their own little world. 

Always in the character of the program 

Then we have the second surgery, and vm come back with, you guessed, all new lifts(-ish) in both their short dance (a one off lift) and their free dance – their straight line had the same position as the curve in Farrucas, but a different entry. I love the curve lift in Hip Hip Chin Chin, how it lasts for the entirety of the singer singing “temptaa-a-tion”, the lift itself fits the dance and the music change so well – Scott holds an amazing edge as Tessa winds herself around his body. The debut of the rotational lift that would serve them well in the olympics also appears here and the baby twist Tessa does into the lift is right out of Latin ballroom.

Shout out to Funny Face for having the most in character lifts, each one feels like it came out of an old movie. I especially love the curve lift and the combination lift, the curve lift is so in character, Scott is giving Fred Astaire face and Tessa’s positions are so interesting. The rotational lift, the entrance and the arch in Tessa’s back with her arms thrown out backwards is so triumphant and glorious. Not only are the lift positions in character, but vm stay in character during the lift itself. It’s always awkward to see ice dancers thinking in the middle of a lift, it takes you right out of the program. I love that Scott pulls Fred face in the middle of a lift, it makes the program come alive. 

I also love that they will change and workshop lifts if they aren’t working, during the 2011-2012 season, they changed their short dance lift a couple times before settling, they don’t let a program or a lift become stagnant or rote, rather the lifts stay alive and engaging as the skaters themselves.

Have equal participation

 Chaotic shoutout to Carmen for having the most sexual and gravity defying lifts. I’ve mentioned it before but I’m always annoyed by lifts that are clearly just the lady being dragged and thrown into different positions while she either hangs on for dear life or does the absolute least. With Tessa’s ballerina training and dancing experience, she knows how to hold herself, she is getting herself into position before Scott puts her there. 

To be totally honest Scott and Tessa’s lifts are not really lifts because Tessa isn’t getting lifted, she is just already there. Their lifts would not be possible if were not for Tessa and her core. It supports her, it supports me, it supports us all.

(tiny shoutout to the seasons for being both their most underwhelming program with the most underwhelming lifts – underwhelming for vm, that is to say amazing for any other team, the first part of the rotational lift is stunning and the curve lift at the end is gorgeous, but they had the same exit for multiple lifts and because of the music cuts in the music the program didn’t feel harmonious and that feeling bled into their lifts as well)

Hardly ever get reused

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir said if we are going to do a comeback, we are going to comeback with new lifts.

And we are going to come back in style.

And did they ever.

God bless this curve lift, Scott’s strong squat and amazing edge quality giving them an amazing lean, Tessa’s core and strength letting her abandon herself into the lift, her arms gesturing expansively and expressively with the swell of the music and the tension in Prince’s voice during Purple Rain…I love the entrance because they get into it quick, Tessa’s leg kicks up SO high, the position and speed are wonderful, then the exit, so ridiculous if you realize the millisecond Tessa is in the air and completely flipping her body, Scott gets out of the squat and has to catch her, while she turns again and exits in a cool and amazing lunge right into their end pose.

Iconic. 

Latch, just like with several others of their programs, they came in with all new lifts. The first position in the stationary lift is similar to the mahler stationary lift but Tessa’s leg is bent underneath her and her arms are around Scott’s neck, and the other positions create such amazing shapes, and they’ve done a similar position in the second part of the rotational lift as well, though they altered it. Let’s take a moment to appreciate that vm book ended Latch with similar yet different lifts, because I love it and it makes me happy inside.

I love the rotational lift so much, I love how musical it is, how Scott does a small jump right before the entrance, how quickly Tessa flips up into position, then she slides down Scott’s body just as the music cascades to match her. It’s just a lovely moment.

My favourite lift in Latch is without a doubt the straight line lift, for a few reasons: I love that they changed it from what it was originally, a lift that worked better in theory than in practice. So rather than keeping the lift they did at ACI and SC, they came up with a completely new lift between their first and second grand prix. 

I love the entrance (similar to the entrance into the choreo lift from carmen, but so different as well). Tessa’s free leg does a complete circle from the entrance into the position she holds all while Scott changes direction and gets into a squat. The position she hits is so stunning, I see her make a full moon with her free leg then holding the position of a half moon during the lift. The arch in her back, her arms, her posture is gorgeous. The exit is just breathtaking, Tessa glides down Scott’s body so effortlessly she looks weightless, and to top it all off, Scott changes position again, turns on one foot (!!) and sets Tessa back on the ice.

It is just perfection.

Are constantly improving and pushing boundaries

Just as with everything else in their skating, they never remain stagnant and are always working to improve and sharpen their craft, which I appreciate so much. There is no complacency here. 

Watching The Rotational lift from Carmen versus Moulin Rouge is so amazing, how much more speed they have into the lift, how much faster Tessa gets up and into position and the much more difficult position change. It is truly such a mark of greatness to be constantly and consistently wanting to grow and learn and improve. Let’s also not forget that they changed this lift for the team event only to change it back for the free dance. Just because they could. In the same vein, going from the rotational lift in 2011 Hip Hip Chin Chin to 2018 Sympathy for the Devil, the lift improved so much! The entrance was quicker, the position is better, they are much faster, and the exit is far more seamless. It’s wonderful and fascinating. 

I love that for their curve lift, as they changed the music they also changed the lift in certain specific ways, Tessa’s arm movements changed to her powerful thrust up into the air and the exit became far more intense with Tessa jumping and twisting into Scott’s arms rather than gliding down his body, they shifted and improved the lift when they changed the program. 

Like, let us never forget that this is what is happening mid lift: she is flying.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir invented stationary lifts.

As this gif set shows, one of these things is not like the others.

No one has entrances and exits like that, Tessa vaulting herself backwards blindly knowing Scott will stop at the right time in the right spot, going from a full stop to the momentum to turn, switch positions twice, all the while maintaining speed, staying centered, holding positions and even holding eye contact. It was the perfect beginning of the free dance and set the tone for the next four minutes.

Lifts can so easily be just an element to check off where ice dancers look into their repertoire and chose what fits best, I appreciate so much that Tessa and Scott refused to be complacent when it came to their lifts, that at the beginning of their senior career they were completely committed to making their lifts more difficult, more interesting, just more more more.

Their lifts go above and beyond what we think is possible, literally and figuratively.