Inspired by the videos “Where the Hell is Matt”, a Darden student, David Shepro, made his own version, C’ville style. I went to business school at Darden so this video has very special meaning for me, but it’s got so much joy that it would bring a smile to anyone’s face, Darden grad or not. There’s something really unifying about a bunch of people dancing around with wild abandon in unexpected places. I don’t know why. There just is. We love the unexpected.
Welcome to the lighter, more joyful side of life at one of the world’s very best schools with one of the very best communities I’ve ever been a part of. For four and a half minutes, David showcases Darden’s amazing characters. I’m keeping this one in my archives to pull up whenever I need a great big smile. I’m so inspired, I think I’m going to do a little boogie break in my office right now. We could all use a little more dance in our day. Here’s to hoping this video makes you smile today, too. Enjoy!
Click here for David’s YouTube video.
Many thanks to my friend, Abhilekh, for passing this link to me.
Published by Christa Avampato
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
Inspired by the videos “Where the Hell is Matt”, a Darden student, David Shepro, made his own version, C’ville style. I went to business school at Darden so this video has very special meaning for me, but it’s got so much joy that it would bring a smile to anyone’s face, Darden grad or not. There’s something really unifying about a bunch of people dancing around with wild abandon in unexpected places. I don’t know why. There just is. We love the unexpected. 
David just reminded all of us that there’s so much of joy around us, no matter where we are and what we do. This video brings out the true meaning of life. And knowing him, I can say that this clip is a true representation of David. He always brings smile to everyone’s face!
It’s a treasure that I personally, and all Darden alums, will cherish forever.
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Agreed, Abhilekh!! Thanks so much for sharing this link with me.
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Wonderful! You’re so right, Christa, there’s something uniquely uplifting about being creative and flowing and a little crazy with others in the moment. -Jan
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Thanks, Jan. THat video makes me so happpy. I love seeing people lettin’ it all hang out!
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Christa:
Quite accurate, to be sure. What a lovely post.
University of Virginia is one of the finest public schools in the world. Like Berkeley and Michigan, UVA also has one of the best B-schools in the world.
Darden has been making waves on a consistent basis. Everybody who is anybody wants to attend a “brand name” school like Darden.
Apart from the quality education, me thinks the networking you do at places like Darden can help later in life.
And not just the placement office or the Alumni association, but the people you meet there and socialize with can become life-long friends. When the chips are down, they can help you chin up: you can even hang out with them on a regular basis.
Networking with such people can also help you get a leg up in the job market. So many people who have lost their jobs in this volatile job market, with its ups and downs, can find a better position or placement through Darden’s networks and UVA’s associations.
For example, if you go to a job interview and your interviewer happens to be an alum of UVA–and, more pertinently, a graduate of Darden–well, let’s just say…it can make a difference….people like to find the common ground. It is human nature.
And graduates of a certain school/association/class tend to want to help their brothers and sisters. It is sort of like a fellowship. Maybe I am way off base here, but that has been my experience. A toast to your success. Cheers!
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Hi Archan,
I feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to go to Darden, and every day I am grateful for the benefits it provides to me. And not just in my professional life (where it’s been very helpful), but also in my personal life. It gave me a lot of confidence, and prepared me for the entrepreneurial path, which I am sure I will be embarking on very shortly. Thanks for being such a fan of Darden and UVA 🙂
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