In Around the Ice in Eighty Years, ice-dance legend Courtney Jones tells his unique life story. A gifted ice skater, ballroom dancer and fashion designer, Courtney shot to fame by winning the British, European and World Ice Dance Championships with his first partner, June Markham, then retaining all three titles with a new partner, Doreen Denny, until their retirement in 1961 – an unprecedented feat in ice-dancing never repeated to this day. Courtney also enjoyed a long, distinguished career as an international skating judge and referee, and made a lasting mark on the fashion world by pioneering stylish clothes for larger figures, designing the British Team uniforms for the 1984 Winter Olympic Games, and creating Torvill and Dean’s iconic costumes for ‘Paso Doble’ and ‘Bolero.’
Illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs and featuring contributions from skating stars Robin Cousins, Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill, plus a memoir of the late John Curry by Courtney’s lifelong partner, renowned coach Robert ‘Bobby’ Thompson, this absorbing, witty and moving book will delight skating fans and general readers alike.
‘Whilst Courtney Jones’ skating career is etched with gold medals, his career away from the ice, and how it all came to be, makes a fascinating and engaging read’ – Robin Cousins, MBE, President of British Ice Skating (BIS) and 1980 Olympic Men’s Singles Champion
‘Courtney Jones has worked tirelessly as an ambassador and advocate for ice dancing for most of his life. As you read his honest and warm account, we hope that you will find it as inspiring as we have’ – Christopher Dean, OBE, and Jayne Torvill, OBE, 1984 Olympic Ice Dance Champions
For further information, to request a review copy, or to arrange interviews with Courtney Jones, please contact Helen Cox (editor/publisher) on 07977 967963, email her.story@hotmail.co.uk
His book is available from December 1, 2021 here.