It isn’t everyday that someone takes on the mantle of creating their own performing arts school in Idaho Falls. Idaho Falls magazine staff sat down to speak with Robyn Wallwork, Preschool Director and founder of the facility, to get the scoop on how she went about creating a small business that will cause a visible impact in the community.
IFM: How did you get into teaching performing arts to children?
RW: Well, I previously had a dance business. That was my career in Salt Lake City and in Tucson. And then we went to Cambodia, we went on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and then we stayed for four years after that. While there I continued to teach performing arts.
I taught preschool through ninth grade in Cambodia and the teachers would say, “Wow, you know, our kids are just being able to connect things because we worked together and they're learning better and getting more meaning with their learning.”
When I came back in 2012 I recognized that performing arts and learning just go hand in hand. So, I decided to go back to school to get my degree in early childhood education.
IFM: Is that what inspired you with your plans to build Best Foot Forward Performing Arts?
RW: It was when we moved to Idaho that we decided to open Best Foot Forward Performing Arts. We just feel like if kids are trained, they will feel more confident on stage. If they know what to expect, they are better because they can use their imaginations and they're not inhibited yet.
We watch them perform their numbers today and they can just do it. We don't do it with them. So they're all on their own. They have to use their own brain. I've known of dance teachers that do the whole routine with them, but then the kids don't ever have to think.
IFM:What are some of the recent accomplishments you’ve made?
RW: We’ve recently expanded and formed a kindergarten club. A lot of times preschool isn't enough. We all learn at different rates. And so we can't say, “Okay, now you're in kindergarten and you should know this, this, this, this, and this.” It just doesn't happen with everybody. We all learn so different, but they need some extra support. Now, kindergarteners can come here and I can help reinforce what they're learning and put the performing arts into it.
IFM: What advice do you have for others trying to get their business off the ground?
RW: Sometimes it's hard to get people to catch your vision. Luckily my daughter caught my vision a long time ago. It just shows that you can dream it, you can do it. Walt Disney said that “if you can dream it, you can do it.” And that's how I feel.
It's worth the effort. It pays off when you work hard to get things done right. You know, it's not over. I still have to work hard every single day to make sure that these kids are getting everything they need. But I feel really satisfied.
For More Information
Best Foot Forward
www.bffperformingarts.net
(208) 274-0103