Explore our Arts Academy
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
Sainey Ceesay
Teaches: Poetry
Sainey Ceesay is a Gambian/Black American poet from Prince George's County, Maryland. In 2021, she served as the Prince George’s County Youth Poet Laureate. Sainey is the Words Beats and Life 2020 Grand Slam Champion, a Joe's Movement Emporium Creative Works alum, a WBL Slam Team alum, and a dedicated facilitating teaching artist.
Richard Patterson
Teaches: DJ & Beat Production
Richard Patterson (DJ Unown) is a producer, artist, audio engineer and DJ from the DMV. Whether it's the stage, the studio or the classroom Unown brings decades of experience and knowledge, presenting it in a way that's fun and easy to learn.
Explore February 2026 Events
Uncover Our Wide Range of Community Programs
Check out what we accomplished in 2025 with this rap-up video from Trus real.
WBL MEDIA
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The Counterbalance Blog
The Evolution of Hip-Hop | Something to Say (10-01-2024)
The "Something to Say” podcast recently delivered an enriching episode featuring discussions on hip-hop culture, social justice, environmental activism, and poetry. Hosted by Mazi Mutafa, the episode brought together a lineup of impactful speakers and artists who delved into the intersection of culture, art, and advocacy.
How to create Sticker Art | Class #2
Artist Max Gibbons teaches you how to make sticker art during this five-week workshop. This free course is part of the WBL Academy.
Hip-Hop Dance Culture Thriving in China
C-POP’s growth is a strong sign that China Continues to open up by allowing young artists to use music, dance, performance, and competition to express themselves openly in positive, exciting, and engaging ways.
