Idaho Rhythm School of Dance and Music in Nampa, Idaho, is not just in the business of teaching dance moves and music theory. They are passionate about inspiring people to go for their dreams; to feel confident and valued as they work to improve their talents by setting and achieving goals, working consistently towards their better self. They recognize that most families are not aiming for professional experiences on Broadway. The families are looking for a loving and safe environment where their kids are free to explore and discover their unique abilities. Idaho Rhythm is honored to assist in that process.
Robbie Walker, Director of Idaho Rhythm, believes that their studio is different from other studios because not only is it their mission to be More Than Just Great Dancing™, their dance moves, music, and costumes are extremely family friendly. You will never see their dancers in sports bras and booty shorts on the stage dancing provocatively to music with a negative message. All of what they do seek to support, lift and create confidence of the dancer while grandma and grandpa are able to enjoy the show.
Another way they are different is that they save families time and extra money by offering music lessons and dance classes in the same space.
At their Nampa studio (also serving Caldwell, Meridian, Star, and Kuna) they offer private music lessons featuring gifted instructors who are focused on assisting youth to excel. Their private lessons in Violin, Piano, Drums, Guitar, and Voice allow the maximum amount of attention to the student and allow the student to work at their own pace. Additionally, they have instructors or connections with instructors who teach a very wide variety of instruments. A small list includes flute, cello, harmonica, banjo, harp, brass, and woodwind instruments. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to call them and they will assist in finding someone for you. They offer 30 minute, 45 minute, and 1 hour music lessons and can teach from beginner to advanced of all ages.
Idaho Rhythm School offers many forms of dance lessons including Ballet, Pre-Pointe, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Clogging and even Tumbling. Their classes are for any age, starting from 18 months all the way to teens and senior adults. They have classes such as Toddlers & Tutus, Kid-Bop, Superhero Fun and Fairytale Dreams.
In addition to the typical classes for the youngest dancer, they offer great recreational and 
performing opportunities for teens and adults. Their teen program is dynamic and fun and their adult program is top-notch! Performing is NEVER mandatory as an adult! They have great classes for the young at heart with their studio senior Clogging class for their 65+ students! Their most seasoned dancer is over 80! Whether your goal is to learn something new, exercise in a fun way, or meet new people, Idaho Rhythm has a class for you!
Emphasis is placed on the desire of the student as they balance music with theory to create a well-rounded music education. They have multiple instructors trained in the same instrument to best meet each student’s personality.
Idaho Rhythm’s students have multiple opportunities to perform and advancement to their competitive teams is also available. Their year-end recital is held in the beautiful Jewett Auditorium with seating for over 900. They divide their end dance performances into two shows to make show lengths comfortable for families and young children.
Robbie’s proudest moment coaching is when he had a father stop him at a competition, wife at his side, and break down in tears of gratitude. Recent challenging events in their lives had shut down his daughter and made her very reclusive and feeling negative. “Dancing with your studio has brought a light back into her,” he told me. “She shines now and is LOVING what she is doing.”
Robbie believes that after the trophies lose their shine and the stage lights have dimmed, it really does not matter anymore. He believes that it is all about the effect he has on these individual people, and that he has left them better than he found them. This, for Robbie, is absolutely the highest compliment he can receive as a coach.
In Robbie’s opinion the biggest mistake he sees dancers make is being inconsistent in their personal practice. He once tested 40 dancers at varied levels of dance and challenged them to practice outside of class just 15 minutes per day. He discovered drastic differences between those who took that challenge on, versus those who either did not do it at all, or even those who practiced 1 day for a much longer period. Steady, consistent practice makes a WORLD of difference. This is true on the dance floor and in real life as well.
Robbie always has many goals for Idaho Rhythm. One of his goals for this season is to better assist his instructors in connecting lessons learned on the dance floor to lessons for life. For example, lessons are occasionally interrupted with a disagreement between two dancers. As they go about to resolve the conflict, it is his goal to step back with the dancers and take a moment to remind them that there will always be someone who seems to make your life more difficult. Learning the skill of dealing with someone who is challenging at the studio will have positive effects at school, in their family, and in their career.
Growing up, Robbie never knew exactly what he wanted to be. He knew that he wanted to run his own business, and he has always loved to inspire others. He was approached by his directors as they were looking to transition into another industry. He was young and did not know any better, so he thought, “Why not!” Of course, his purpose now is MUCH more refined than it was when he first began. But he has always loved dance, and he has always loved to inspire others. Owning a studio was a perfect fit.
If you would like more information about Idaho Rhythm School of Dance and Music, visit their website at www.idahorhythm.com, call them at 208-461-9763 or email them at idahorhythm@gmail.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Robbie Walker of Idaho Rhythm School of Dance and Music.
Good Article!!