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Enroll in Summer 2026 Classes
Our Summer 2026 classes for ages 8 to 18 are open for registration and are available as in-person classes in Washington, DC.
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
DJ RBI
Teaches: DJing
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. He engages audiences behind the turntables as DJ RBI, a principal member of the DMV-based DJ collective, Diamond Cutterz.
Shanna
Teaches: Face & 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.
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Check out what we accomplished in 2025 with this rap-up video from Trus real.
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The Counterbalance Blog
The Hip Hop Mindset: On Being Driven, Hungry & Committed to Purpose
Hip Hop. When you read those words, are the first thoughts that come to your mind "quit" or "give up"? Probably not. In fact, those words are the opposite of what "hip hop" often looks like in our imagination. Those old classic phrases like "don't stop, won't stop" or "on and on to the break of dawn" have aligned hip-hop culture with persistence and perseverance.
Obligations of Leaders | kNOw new leaders
Dr. Jason Nichols joins host Mazi Mutafa to discuss America’s leaders and their obligations to the communities they serve.
Pro-Tips with Chef Rock Harper
Chef Rock Harper, owner of DMV restaurant Queen Mother's and winner of Hell's Kitchen season 3, drops some knowledge for all aspiring culinary enthusiasts.
