Ballet turnout & pointing/arches help?

Well, you're right..you won't be able to go on pointe if you're scrunching your toes. When you point your foot, try to remember that your foot is an extension of your leg just as your hands are an extension of your arms. When you tendu, think of lengthening your leg and sending your energy out through your feet and toes, as opposed to bunching all your energy up in your toes. Lengthen your toes when you point. Keep thinking length, length, length, not curl, curl, curl. You're probably trying to point you feet as hard as you can to achieve that "banana" shape everyone love... but it sounds like you naturally have a good foot with nice arches. Don't focus so much on how hard you can point, think of sending your energy out through the foot. Also, laying on the floor with the soles of your feet together, either laying on your back and coaxing your knees closer to the floor, or on your stomach (keeping your hipbones on the floor...your feet will be off the floor for a while) will help to open up your hips. However, no exercise will move you along faster than training your mind to use your turnout properly, from the hips, all the time. Turning out from the ankles is a recipe for disaster either in your ankles or knees. Don't do it! If you really want to be a dancer, you have to realize your body is your instrument...and you control it with your mind. Dedicate yourself to turning out properly in every ballet class, and I guarantee you'll see a difference. Also, of you can find a good Graham class, the floorwork will also do wonders for your turnout. Good Luck!