What should I look for in a pair of figure skates?

Christopher Dean began to skate at the age of 10 after he received a pair of skates as a Christmas present. Dean's first ice partner was Sandra Elson. They began skating together when he was 14 and they competed as ice dancers for a few years. However, despite becoming British Junior Dance champions the team parted as Dean and Elson did not get along well. Dean then agreed to try out Jayne Torvill, who was another skater at the Nottingham rink. The pair were coached first by Janet Sawbridge, but Betty Callaway became their coach in 1978.