Welcome to the Spoken Arts Department 

at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts 🎤

We are a vibrant and dynamic community where poets, rappers, singers, and multi-talented young artists come together to nurture their passion for the arts. Our vision is to foster a creative and rigorous learning environment where students can explore the power of language, develop their unique voices, and create meaningful and impactful work.

In Lak'Ech

Tu eres me otro yo.                     You are my other me. 

 Si te hago daño a ti.               If I do harm to you

 Me hago daño a mi mismo.       I do harm to myself. 

 Si te amo y respeto.                  If I love and respect you 

Me amo y respecto yo.               I love and respect myself

In our Spoken Arts classes, we begin each session with the Mayan phrase "In Lak'ech," meaning "You are my other me." This practice fosters a profound sense of interconnectedness and mutual respect, reminding us of our shared humanity and the power of our words to uplift and inspire. By embracing this philosophy, we cultivate a safe and supportive learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Ultimately, the practice of In Lak'ech strengthens our community by promoting empathy, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.