Torvill & Dean Putting on the ritz

This number has a slightly unusual history. When Mack & Mabel hit the public eye, one of the British tabloid newspapers commented on its 'Fred Astaire' qualities and got T&D to dress as Fred & Ginger for a photo shoot (on the ice). Intrigued by this, they decided to choreograph a number to go with it, though the outfits needed a bit of modification!

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Torvill
• Dean
• Putting
• on
• the
• ritz

[peediefry]

what year was this?

[quillerpen]

According to my records they first performed this at the Worlds gala in Copenhagen which would be 1982 (the year they did Mack & Mabel). I think this particular performance was from the St ivel the following autumn, - it's certainly Richmond - when they did exhibitions but did not compete.

[kelra333]

Wow..did they *ever* fall?!

[quillerpen]

yes, once, but it was in the warm-up to the compulsory dances in the 1982 Worlds. Even their falls have great timing!

[nleytman]

Chris has amazingly sexy body and it's a joy to watch him moving on the ice. Jayne is like a doll in his hands - she does everything he wants with such ease and grace. They were born for each other to dance. With their professionalism, creativity, and enormous talant they redefined dancing on the ice.

[Carolynnhall]

Their timing is impeccable,

They are phenominal!

[szqsk8]

This is what ice dancing is all about! They could make tapping ones toe pick on the ice interesting. Great footwork, not a step out of place.

[muscleboi4use]

I really thought this performance was Oct 1981 when they first show-cased Mack and Mabel. There was also a clip on You Tube of them performing this at Skate Canada gala too, although they never managed to compete at SC owing to their schedule.

One observation: nowadays, as part of Ice Dance rules couples have to incorporate step sequences into the FD. I've still NEVER seen step sequences as difficult, fluid and co-ordinated as in this routine. There is never a leg, arm, toe-pick out of line!

[2katie]

They are a perfect couple for ice dance skaing. Every move is immaculately synchronised.synchronised. Ice dancing is dull now in comparison.

[xAfroxSpectaculox]

THIS is what Fred & Ginger would look like on ice.

[s3dh3k]

Now THIS is Ice Dancing...

[drguffey]

They are so wonderfully artistic you sometimes forget they are skating on skinny little blade ON ICE !!! Amazing !!!

[kittyrainfrancis]

The little stepping sequence at 0:59 rules! Give me artistry, simplicity, chemistry over acrobatics anyday. These guys are still the best.

[Tazzy5]

There are none that can touch them, even today! When they retired, I stopped watching ice dancing. Got to see them in person in San Diego, CA. Second row seats, and I could feel the wind on my face as they flew by. Many were in tears after watching them. The greatest show/concert/production I've EVER been to, they are the epitome of brilliance and talent!

[jennybean12000]

They seem to float across the ice... so light and free!

[jennybean12000]

I love Torvill and Dean!!! They are the BEST!!!! This is an awesome routine! Awesome footwork! They are so in unison! Skating as ONE!!!  Thank you so much for posting!!