Leg too long for standing splits?

Hello,

After about 4 years I wanted to start dancing guard again, which I did for about 8 years!

I used to be pretty clumsy (I couldn't do the splits) and since the ligaments in my lower legs are shortened I have a bit of trouble straightening my leg!

1. Any tips on how I can best stretch for something like this?
2. I keep trying to stretch the ligaments in my upper and lower legs. I'm slowly getting my leg straightened up without it pulling in my lower legs, but when I hold my foot it looks like a right angle and the same when I'm standing. Could it be that my leg is too long for my arms or do I just need to become more flexible for it to work. It's frustrating me a bit because I'm trying really hard to finally achieve what so many obstacles have been put in my way of when I'm dancing.