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
Emerald Holman
Step Dance
Emerald Holman, a Washington, D.C. native has lived in every quadrant except NW. She earned her BFA in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a former professional dancer with Step Afrika! Emerald began her teaching career two years ago with DC Public Schools. She is a proud member of the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, where she continues to serve her community. She is very excited to be a part of the WBL team!
Flex Mathews
Rao/Emcee
Flex Mathews also know Dathan L. Harbor who has spent most of his life being an rap artist/MC started working at WBL in 2010 as an MC instructor (Rap Teacher and or mentor). In 2016 he purchased his camera with money he earned from a Congo Sanchez tour and has never looked back. While rapping still remains his first love, photography is definitely creeping on the come up allowing him to create art from a different perspective.
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!
