Walk on your tip toes, barefoot or in your socks. Begin walking on your toes in one- or two-minute increments, and gradually increase the time until you can walk on your toes for at least 10 minutes at a time.
Walk on your heels, barefoot or in your socks. You should walk on your heels immediately after you walk on your toes. By alternating toes and then heels, you are strengthening your ankles and stretching your calves. Walk on your heels in one- to two-minute increments until you can build up to 10 minutes at a time.
Perform élèves and rélèves for 30 minutes per day, holding onto a ballet barre, in bare feet or with flat ballet shoes. An élève is a simple movement where you go from standing flat footed and rise up onto the balls of your feet in one fluid motion. A rélève starts in a plié, where the knees are partially bent and the body is straight, and rises up so you are standing on the balls of your feet. Hold these positions for 10 to 20 seconds, then slowly bring your body back to the starting position.
Practice basic ballet moves, including pliés, élèves and rélèves, wearing demi-pointe shoes. Demi-pointe shoes are similar to pointe shoes, but they don't have the shank, or piece that keeps the dancer's feet straight up. Do not attempt to go en pointe while wearing demi-pointe shoes.