Can I go on in ballet even with too high arches?

Question:My instructor says my arches are very high and my foot tends to go over. At first she was always saying I had great feet and she would get me to point my toes and show the other students as an example. She still says I have an amazing point but apparently my arch is too high and it makes my ankles weak when I try to go up onto my toes. My demi is great but en pointe sucks because my feet always go over. How can I lower my arch is it possible? Or is this the end of my dance dreams?!! I am so upset I have been crying.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: My instructor says my arches are very high and my foot tends to go over. At first she was always saying I had great feet and she would get me to point my toes and show the other students as an example. She still says I have an amazing point but apparently my arch is too high and it makes my ankles weak when I try to go up onto my toes. My demi is great but en pointe sucks because my feet always go over. How can I lower my arch is it possible? Or is this the end of my dance dreams?!! I am so upset I have been crying.

OMG! Don't cry! It doesn't matter if you have high arches... personally I think high arches are gorgeous en pointe BECAUSE you go over. Take Alexandra Ferri for example! She is practically on the knuckles of her toes when she used to dance. People always say that you need the perfect feet to do pointe or ballet. But, look at people with flat feet they can do pointe even though its more challenging...but they can do it! Just be proud of your feet and remember: at least youll have the best turnout in your class!

You may want to try different shoes! For going over too far, you can get a higher vamp, (that's the part over your toes). You will probably want a thicker shank, also. My friends Hannah and Jordan both have this problem, and they custom order a "double-shank" from a dance store. You can go into wherever you usually buy shoes and ask them if they have any or if they will order them for you. As for your ankles, try working with at TheraBand or writing the ABCs in the air with your feet. Don't get yourself down! If dance is something you truly love, you will find a way to get past this obstacle. You may want to ask your dance instructor for advice, she may have some other suggestions for you!
Good luck, and keep dancing!!! =]

Just look at any video of Alessandra Ferri and you will see that you can still be an amazing dancer with extremely high arches. You just have to work harder on strength and not going way over your shoe than others.