Figure Skaters Online is introducing fans to the new pairs teams who will be making their debut during the 2026-27 season. For our New Pairs Teams series, we recently chatted with Tallulah Tanner and Blake McGee, who are a new junior team. They teamed up in May 2026 and are getting ready for their debut competition, Glacier Falls Summer Classic in Anaheim, Calif. July 30-Aug. 2.
Tell us about your individual skating journeys, including any early special memories.
Tallulah: I started skating/competing at three-years-old and skated singles till I was about nine-years-old when I partnered with my first skating partner. We skated together for about four years and split after our first year in novice pairs. Later that year, I found a new partner whom I skated with for one season and competed at my first U.S. National Championships in novice pairs. I then took a year off for singles after we split and eventually had a successful tryout with Blake.
Blake: I started skating six years ago in Fresno, California. I was a recreational skater until 2 years ago. I traveled all over California to different rinks to learn more about skating.
What drew you to pairs? Did either of you compete in singles before and if so, how long did you skate and compete as a single skater, and are you still doing singles?
Tallulah: When I started pairs at nine-years-old, I had never really thought about my potential until much later. I was more focused on having fun and trying new things since I had been skating singles since I was three because my mom was a coach. I started pairs during an ice show rehearsal when my head coach, Libbie Chabot, decided that another skater and I should do a small dance lift in our number. We had fun, and from there, my parents, his parents, and our coach decided we should try pairs.
Blake: I wasn’t a competitive skater for the first four years of my skating career; the most I competed was in showcases. About two years ago, I went to Irvine, California, to get new skates and meet one of the coaches on the pairs’ team. He asked if I wanted to try out the off-ice class. Little to say, I fell in love with pairs after that day.
Tell us how your partnership started. Describe the tryout. When did you officially announce your partnership?
Tallulah: Blake and I make a very good team. We get along very well and work together effortlessly. When I first flew to California for the tryout, I was nervous, but that eventually changed after having the day go so well. We instantly clicked, and I think we knew it would work. After the tryout, we announced our partnership on May 20, about a week and a half after we both decided to skate together.
Tallulah and Blake, did either of you compete last season with a partner? If not, what did you do last season before you teamed up?
Tallulah: Last season, I focused heavily on singles skating after my previous partnership ended. I realized that if I want to find a good partner, I must get everything in shape before I begin skating pairs again. I did have a couple of tryouts last season; however, I believe it was for the best that I stuck to singles.
Blake: I did not compete last season, but I continued to train with the team. Developing and improving my pairs skills.
What is it that you already like most about skating with your new partner?
Tallulah: I really enjoy Blake’s positivity on and off the ice and towards the partnership.
Blake: I enjoy skating with Tallulah because we understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We work together in order to build our partnership and our team to achieve our mutual goals.
Tell us about your training site.
Tallulah: We train together at Great Park Ice and are a part of the Great Park Ice pairs group located in Irvine, California. This groups holds so much energy and positivity that even the bad days are fun.
Tell us about your coaches. Did either or both have to relocate? If so, tell us about the move(s).
Tallulah: Our coaches are Jenni Meno and Brandon Frazier. I’m originally from Charleston, South Carolina, so I had to relocate in order to begin this partnership. It was a very long process, but we are now settled.
Tell us about your programs this season. Who/what inspired your music choices and who choreographed your programs.
Tallulah and Blake: Our programs are two very different concepts. Our short is fun, upbeat and jazzy and our long is powerful and tells a story. While we haven’t officially announced our programs yet, our coach Brandon Frazier choreographed our free skate and fellow pairs skater Balazs Nagy choreographed our short.
What are you looking forward to most this skating season?
Tallulah: I am looking forward to being involved in the pairs community again and the overall thrill of competing in pairs. It has always been my favorite discipline and will continue to be.
Tell us about your debut competition this season?
Tallulah and Blake: Our first competition is Glacier Falls. We will only be skating our short for that competition; however, we will be doing both programs at Skate Detroit.
If you could have a lesson with any pair skater past/present, who would it be? Why?
Tallulah: If I could have a lesson with any pairs skater past/present, I would choose my first pairs coach, Libbie Chabot. I have grown up with her, and she has watched me develop as a skater for many years. Being able to show her what I can do now would be so special to me.
Blake, you were part of the National Development Camp in 2025 where we tragically lost members of our skating community following it in a tragic plane crash. If you are comfortable sharing, how has life and your skating changed since that tragedy and how are you remembering your camp mates? Have you felt the need to continue skating in their honor?
Blake: Being a part of the National Development Team was truly one of the greatest honors of my skating journey. At the time, I never could have imagined that some of the incredible friends I made along the way would be taken from us so tragically. My heart continues to ache for their families and loved ones. Their memories will always be a part of our skating community. This experience has reminded me that life is precious and far too short. It has inspired me to cherish every moment, embrace every opportunity, and never take time with the people we love for granted. Through it all, my love for skating has only grown. I will always be grateful for the friendships, memories, and lessons that came from being part of the National Development Team.
