Perform routine point-and-flex exercises. You need to build the muscles in your foot if you want to achieve the ideal arch for ballet. A point-and-flex exercise can be performed on the floor or standing up. Simply point your toe as much as you can, until you feel that stretch in the top of your foot, and hold it there for five seconds. Release and flex the foot as far back as you can for another five seconds.
Sit on the floor with your legs bent in front of you. Have a dance partner, parent, sibling or friend sit on your feet or hold them in place with their hands, while in the pointed position. Once your feet are secure lower the back of your leg to the floor, keeping the foot curved from the pressure being applied by your subject. This is a common exercise routine to stretch the upper arch. Do not continue this exercise if you feel any pain.
Do calf raises. Start with your feet flat on the floor. Raise the heels up so you are standing on your toes and hold in place for five seconds. Come back down to the floor and quickly rise up again. For an advanced version of this exercise, perform calf raises on the edge of a curb, step or elevated platform so you get a more exaggerated stretch.
Sit in a chair with your feet to a carpeted floor or rug. Curl your toes under until the tops of your toes are flush with the soft surface. Press down gently until you feel a stretch in the top of your foot. This exercise strengthens the toes so you can eventually curl them under to exaggerate your arch while wearing your pointe shoes.
Fill a bucket with sand. Place your feet into the bucket. Grasp the sand with your toes by scrunching your toes and then releasing the sand. Perform this exercise for 10 minutes a day, as it strengthens your toes and feet to improve your arch.