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On Saturday night I was talking to my friend, Allan, about the first weekly yoga class that I was teaching as part of Compass Yoga. Allan is very perceptive – he’s one of those friends who seems to instinctively know exactly the message I need exactly when I need it. “Maybe do less,” he said. “No need to tell them everything you know in one class.” Allan’s comment came out of the blue and I didn’t know I needed to hear that at that moment. As usual, he said just the right thing to wake me up to exactly why I was a bit nervous about the class. I was trying to do too much, so I planned at that moment to do less.
26 gorgeous souls made their way to Pearl Studios NYC for the first weekly Compass Yoga class. I couldn’t have been more honored to be with them and am looking forward to the next one already. It is really a dream for me to start my own classes, and I’m so excited for all of the learning that will come from this new experiment. It’s going to be an adventure, and by far my biggest, brightest new beginning of 2011.
All day I had some butterflies – the jitters that come from all new beginnings. Seeing so many friendly, familiar faces was an enormous help and I have to publicly thank Michael, Sara, Andrew, Brian, Sarah, Pavani, Ujwala, Vipin, Cari, Cindy, Jennilyn, and Erica for their in-person support. And to so many wonderful people who sent me emails, tweets, and good vibes across great distances – I certainly felt the good vibes coming through loud and clear!
The next class is next Sunday, February 6th at 6pm at Pearl Studios – check out the Meetup group or the Compass website for details. Come play!
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
Congratulations!! I CAN’T believe I missed it!!!! This is what I get for not looking at my calender for the past three days… BUT…. I’m very much looking forward to taking your class in the future!! YAY!!!
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Yea!!! Good for you! Great beginning!
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What a great turnout for your first class! Wow! You must be feeling higher than a kite :). Congratulations!!!
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Hi all,
I really am just ecstatic today about the class. I really hope the people there enjoyed it as much as I did! We’ll see how week 2 goes – for now I’m letting myself be a little giddy about the whole experiment!
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brava! that is amazing. while i am sorry i missed your grand debut, i look forward to attending in approximately 5 weeks (as soon as the doc gives me the ok)!!! xoxo
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Woohoo!! Sending you ton o’ love and get well soon vibes!
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