Expert: Connie - 6/19/2007

Question
I am 14 years old and i am going to be starting pointe in about 3 weeks. I feel really discouraged everytime i see that my arch isn't nearly as good as my other classmates. Is there any advice you can give to me about improving the arch of my feet? it will be grreatly appreciated!!!
thnx :)

-Celina

Answer
You are pretty much stuck with the arch you have.  However, every time your point your foot your foot gets stronger and the muscle on top will grow a little.  Therefore your feet will look a little better as you take more classes.  Also, for performances where your feet need to look arched there a things sold that go over your feet to give the illusion that they are more arched.  Ask your teacher about this.  Having a low arch really doesn't put you at that much of a disadvantage besides a visual one, which can be corrected with the padding i mentioned above.  Just make sure your feet are strong and keep working hard!