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
Jasmine Hawamdeh
Towards 2040 Creative Fellowship Manager
Jasmine Hawamdeh is an artist, art educator, and creative producer whose work is deeply rooted in advocacy. Born in Queens, New York, and raised in Scarborough, Toronto, she is a proud Palestinian who uses her craft to amplify underrepresented voices and social movements. Jas blends strategic insight with artistic expression, creating work that is both impactful and socially conscious.
Jabulani
DJ Instructor
Jabulani is a native Washingtonian, Duke Ellington percussionist alumni, Words Beats & Life Academy graduate, lyricist and international DJ. He recently returned from living/creating in Accra, Ghana for nearly the last two years, where he emerged and blossomed as a DJ, accruing multiple residencies and his own radio show ‘HOME2HOME Radio’ hosted by the notable Oroko Radio.
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!
