Dakota Beacon

You just know when someone is doing what he was born to do. In the case of these skaters they not only were born to skate but they were born to skate with each other.

Torvill and Dean. It would be difficult to imagine one without the other. From Nottingham, England, they burst upon the Olympic skating scene in 1984 in Sarajevo with their Bolero to the music of Ravel. They continued their path of perfect harmony on ice for decades more. Former policeman Christopher Dean was the driving force, the choreographer and director, Jayne Torvill his indispensable other half on the ice, together a perfect picture in motion. Some of their work was playful (Hat Trick), some clever and sophisticated (Puttin’ on the Ritz), others dramatic, (Missing, Paso Doble - as the bullfighter and his cape), light-hearted and humorous (Show Tango, an unlikely “tango” couple, where Dean makes an unusual entrance), lyrical and romantic (Shepherd’s Song), soulful and bluesy (Stormy Weather, Summertime), brilliantly exotic (Song of India). Each performance was marked by precision, imagination, consummate skill, artistry and perfect harmony between them.

Perhaps never have two performers been more perfectly paired to create masterpieces in motion on the ice.

They always reminded me of Marge and Gower Champion, two of the greatest dancers of the silver screen. They have the same versatility and display a similar delightful sense of humor as well as beauty and romance.

Here are Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean in some memorable videos – enjoy! (Let me know if I missed one of your favorites.)

Hat Trick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OycQgYz3k

Mack and Mabel, evoking a bittersweet romance of the silent movie era: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aEgunvUYVg

Stormy Weather (how do you like the special effects for their entrance?):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dO8oz1jXzg&list=RD6dO8oz1jXzg&start_radio=1

Paso Doble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp2c_SvdJkI

Shepherd’s Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JemNMcJBeJw

Puttin’ on the Ritz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T05cnnefdk

Show Tango: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n50PE3yE4YU

Song of India: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5njcN58VfE

Barnum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydN5Glf9KI0

Snow Maiden – Dance of the Tumblers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTtLSunsDis

Bolero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcCj0xfO3H8

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