BALAA Beauties

BALAA Beauties is an all girls initiative that provides opportunities for girls ages 5 to 18 to explore the arts in creative ways. The girls participate in dance workshops, empowerment activities, character development activities, and leadership training. There is no fee to participate in BALAA Beauties. Interested families may register their girls here.

The Empire Marching Elite

The Empire Marching Elite (TEME) is a New York City Community Marching Band. It presents traditional HBCU style marching arts in the Big Apple and provides opportunities for members to seek marching band scholarships to HBCUs. There is no fee to participate in TEME. For more information and to register, click here. 

Junior Empire Marching Elite

Junior Empire Marching Elite (JEME) is our beginner marching band open to young people ages 5 to 13. JEME was developed from After School and Summer Enrichment participants who spend the academic year and six weeks in the summer learning instrumental music and dance basics, including reading horn and percussion music, embouchure, and technique. Students must be enrolled in After School and / or Summer Enrichment to be eligible for participation. There is no fee to participate in JEME. Click here to learn more and to register. 

BALAA Legacy

This is our adult wellness program. From fitness and self care to financial literacy, we offer programs to improve the overall health of adults in the community. There is no fee to participate in BALAA Legacy. To register, click here.

balaa babies, inc.

In June 2022, balaa babies, inc. was established to support families in search of quality child care in Brooklyn, NY. This is in response to the decline in child care services created by the pandemic, and the increase in child care deserts in our area. For the upcoming academic year, we are accepting children ages birth to two years old. Click here for more information.

BALAA Brawns

BALAA Brawns is a male mentorship program designed to sever the pupil to prison pipeline in New York City.  Open to boys ages 9 to 18, members are matched with male mentors, and have the opportunity to participate in mentorship retreats, sports outings, empowerment workshops and other male bonding activities. There is no fee to participate in BALAA Brawns. Interested families may register their boys here.

BALAA After School Program

BALAA After School Program runs Monday through Friday, from 3 PM to 7 PM and from 12 PM to 7 PM on half-days. Students receive academic support and learn marching band fundamentals. Children may choose between dance, percussion and horn instruction. Transportation options available from schools in the area. Click here to register for our After School Program. Contact us for more information about how you can participate for free.

BALAA Summer Enrichment

The BALAA Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week program that offers young people a variety of arts exploration. Monday through Thursday, participants engage in academic support, music instruction, art, crafts, step, life skills, and self defense. On Fridays, participants explore New York City by visiting historical landmarks, local parks and playgrounds, museums and libraries, and special events hosted by community organizations. Our summer program is affordable and accessible, and there are scholarships and financial assistance options available. Click here to see photos of Summer Enrichment 2021. Contact us for more information regarding costs and financial assistance.

Northern Showstyle Band Coalition

​NSBC is a subsidiary nonprofit of BALAA established to:

• Normalize showstyle band culture in the north

• Create opportunities for band director development and training

• Provide a platform on which local organizations may support each other in developing and building our programs, including development, recruitment and retention support, and performance support

• Create joint performance opportunities as a coalition

• Create opportunities for HBCU marching band recruitment and audition support

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There is no fee to participate in NSBC. Click here to learn more and to register.