Explore our Arts Academy
Enroll in Winter 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
Shanna Lim
Face and Body Art
Shanna Lim is a veteran of the DC's dance and performance art scene whose work is empowered by human interaction, tears, joy and the rawness of street art. She is an established body painter having done work for companies like Cirque Du Soleil and The Shakespeare Theatre. Her works have been presented or commissioned throughout Sri Lanka, New York and the DMV area.
DJ RBI
DJ Instructor
Ron Brown pka “DJ RBI” is an artist /entrepreneur working in arts and entertainment, particularly DJing, radio programming / production, stage performance, music production and visual art. A longtime professional working in youth development, he has taught and mentored students with organizations including the D.C Commission of the Arts and Humanities, Words, Beats, & Life and Guerilla Arts INK.
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.
WBL MEDIA
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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!
