Explore our Arts Academy
Enroll in Fall Classes
Our Fall classes for ages 8 to 22 are open for registration and are available as in-person classes in Washington, DC or as virtual courses online.
Innovative Hip-hop C
urriculum
Join our creative arts classes to propel your career as a DJ, fashion designer, music producer, radio broadcaster, artist, or poet.
Academy Spotlights
Kymone Freeman
Chess Instructor
Kymone Freeman is a native Washingtonian, community activist and co-founder of We Act Radio, Washington DC’s independent progressive radio and TV studio. Spearheading the Black L.U.V. Festival since 1997 and offering Media Arts training to at-risk youth, Mr. Freeman has invested years of art and activism to the District’s most vulnerable and under-served populations.
Patrick Washington
Director of Poetry
Patrick was forged in Washington DC’s vibrant arts community of the mid-90’s, finding his voice on DC’s famed U Street corridor alongside luminaries like Toni Blackman, Ta-Nehisi Coates & Jason Reynolds. Nationally, as part of the dynamic hip-hop poetry ensemble POEM-CEES, he spent the early 2000's a regular performer on HBO’s legendary Def Poetry TV series and was seen on the NFL Network.
UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Uncover Our Wide Range of Community Programs
Check out what we accomplished in 2024 with this rap-up video from Trus real.
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The Counterbalance Blog
The Power of Art in Advocacy and Social Change
Sasa Aakil is a force of nature. Previously part of our extensive Youth Poet Laureate program, we’ve been honored to work alongside Aakil as she navigates her career in poetry and advocacy. In addition to mentorship, performance opportunities and skill advancement, our YPLs advance their careers by becoming published authors.
Exclusive Interview with Patrick Washington: From OG of DC's Black Broadway to Director of Poetry at the Words Beats & Life Academy
Patrick Washington, director of poetry at the Words Beats & Life Academy, shares his journey as an independent artist and activist, exploring '90's hip-hop, go-go and his vision for youth poets to fight marginalization.
AI Bionix: Exploring the Impact of AI on Music
Art? Official? Intelligence? AI is here. What does it mean for human expression? Drake rapping Ice Spice’s “Munch.” Biggie rapping Nas’ “New York State of Mind.” Timbaland making a brand new song with the Notorious B.I.G. and these are just the most recent ones. You can’t put Pandora back in the box — we are in the era of AI!
