As you explode upward and forward in your leap, you need a solid takeoff. A solid takeoff results in greater elevation, giving you more time to fully point your toes at the height of your leap. Strong core muscles are key to achieving that stability and height. To build your core, incorporate plank exercises and crunches into your dance conditioning routine. As you prepare to leave the floor in any leap or jump, consciously engage your abdominals.
Your calf muscles provide the power you need to fully point your toes when you dance, including when you jump and leap. Before working on your leaps, ensure that your calf muscles are warm and sufficiently stretched. From a standing position, and using a wall for support, do a series of gentle calf stretches. Once the muscles of the lower leg are warm, engage in simple calf raises, adding ankle weights if you wish to increase resistance.
Building strength in your arches and ankles can improve your ability to fully point your toes as you push off from the floor and when you are airborne. A typical dance class includes many exercises to stretch and strengthen the dancer's feet. Whenever you rise onto the balls of your feet in releve or brush your foot along the floor in tendu, you are working on pointing your toes. Always work slowly and deliberately at the ballet barre, giving yourself time to fully point your toes. In addition, you can make use of a resistance band and simple arch and ankle exercises that promote foot articulation and build muscle memory.
Always brush through the foot as preparation for your leap. Working through your feet will result in stretched arches and pointed toes at the height of your jump. If you fail to push through the balls of the feet during takeoff, your foot muscles are likely to remain disengaged and your feet will appear limp rather than pointed at the peak of your leap.