What are some exercises I can do to get a great instep?

Question

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NXY-oIBCO4&feature=related

Are people born with really good insteps or can you work at it? What are some things I can do to get a better instep? I barely can point my foot so there is a curve. I sometimes plie and push over the tops of my feet or put them under furniture, but it doesn't seem to do much. I am 14, are my feet able to do that?

Answer 1

Some people are simply flat footed, and some are blessed with the most beautiful arches, and some fall in between. We don't know what your feet look like to say "Yes, you can have the greatest inste," or to tell you that its not possible at all.

But it never hurts to strengthen and stretch your feet. Doing foot exercises such as slowly pointing and flexing (making sure to fully articulate your feet) and doing eleves help your feet get stronger so that you can make the most of your arch. Doing tendus properly also help out with this.

To help with stretching your feet, I personally don't know of any, but after I started pointe, my arches got better because it was easier for me to stretch my feet in a safe way so that I could use the full flexibility of my feet.

Good luck, and love your body, its the only one you've got, learn to dance beautifully with it! (A great dancer is much more appreciated and sought after than just a great instep)