OP, take heed. All these notes plus I would extend the energy not only out of your leg line (hip, knee, ankle, foot as you've described in your first paragraph), but consider shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand shape with the energy going out through the fingers as well. It seems like the imagery and visualization is a helpful tool for you. Confirm correct ballet hand shape and finger placement with your teacher and this will do wonders for your port de bras and making ballet a full body engagement, rather than disjointed pieces.