Tag: Washington DC

creativity

This just in: I fell for Alice in Wonderland at Synetic Theater

Christa Avampato
Synetic Theater
Synetic Theater

Synetic Theater‘s production of Alice in Wonderland is stunning – in its energetic choreography and visually inventive direction. Even the sound of it inspires a sense of wonder and awe. I hold Alice near and dear to my heart as my favorite childhood book. The moment I walked into Synetic’s theater under the nondescript streets of Crystal City, Virginia I was enchanted by the color and geometric transformation of a space that is little more than a high school auditorium.

A few months ago, I saw Synetic’s adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities. I immediately took to its bold sense of storytelling and its confident portrayal of classic works staged in unconventional ways. Alice confirmed for me that Synetic is one of the best theater companies in the Washington D.C. area. I look forward to the remainder of its season that is sure to be mind-bending and full of inspiration.

creativity

This just in: Art All Night turned DC into Brooklyn

Christa Avampato

Last night I cruised around locations in Dupont Circle to see art, listen to music, and enjoy the more creative side of D.C. The event took place in 5 neighborhoods across the city. I wasn’t sure how many people would turn out for it, and I was pleasantly surprised by the crowds. It made D.C. feel like Brooklyn – a place where creativity is appreciated and celebrated. It’s exciting to be in a city that is getting its creative legs underneath it and working hard to be known as much for its cultural world as it is for its politics. Here are more details about the event: http://www.thedcarts.com/

Here are a few pics I snapped at some of the venues:

creativity

This just in: DC ZogSports Soccer is not casual

Christa Avampato
Zogsports DC soccer
Zogsports DC soccer

ZogSports DC casual soccer league is not casual. It’s not even close to casual. I think the team we played last night might be semi-professional complete with a playbook, calls, and drill practice several times per week. They were big, fast, and aggressive. Also, we only had two women instead of the required three so we had to play one man down. That means my friend, Logan, and I had to play the entire game. No break. No subs. It was rough. But we hung in there. And we’ll show up again next week. And that’s what counts. This one is a character builder for sure, and by November I’m going to have fabulous legs!

creativity

This just in: The one lesson I take from Pope Francis

Christa Avampato
Pope Francis in DC
Pope Francis in DC

Aside from celebrating the general spirit of Christmas, I’m not Christian. However, what I take from Pope Francis is one simple and powerful lesson: if all people everywhere took up the mantle of humility and service we would have a happier, healthier, safer, and more productive world. If we could spend some time every day putting aside self preoccupation for the sake of others, we’d all be better off.

creativity

This just in: The power of my new soccer cleats

Christa Avampato
My new power shoes!
My new power shoes!

I haven’t played a group sport in quite a few years but all that’s about to change when I start playing on a co-ed soccer team this week with Zog Sports DC. When I put on my new cleats and shin guards yesterday, I felt really powerful. And not because I think I’m going to become some brilliant spark of a player but because I’m about to do something so outside my comfort zone.

There’s something to be said for purposely going after experiences that scare the hell out of us. Once we try something new, we understand that on the other side of fear is freedom. GOOOOOOAL!

creativity

This just in: H Street Festival takes me back to Brooklyn

Christa Avampato

Today I went to the H Street Festival, a celebration of art, food, and culture in one of DC’s most diverse and interesting neighborhoods. It felt like I was back on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It warmed my heart to be among every walk of life in a city bustling and buzzing with creativity and happiness. Here are some of my favorite shots from the day!

creativity

This just in: Planet3 launched with $10 million investment

Christa Avampato
Exploreplanet3.com
Exploreplanet3.com

I’m so thrilled to announce that my ed tech startup has launched a new name, branding, and website: exploreplanet3.com.

Planet3 is an exploration-based learning company. We present the entire Earth as a living laboratory through an immersive game-based environment. We’re crafting a digital platform with a compelling game-based narrative that utilizes real-world data and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to deliver better learning outcomes. Our curriculum, woven through immersive 3D experiences, will inspire teachers and students to understand the intricate connections between Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) subjects and our changing planet.

Click here to check out our press release and all the details. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Here’s to adventure!

creativity

This just in: An artist at work in DC’s Blagden Alley

Christa Avampato
An artist at work in Blagden Alley in D.C.
An artist at work in Blagden Alley in D.C.

On Saturday, I took a spin through Blagden Alley in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood to see all of the new murals taking shape there. I was fortunate to come upon one of the artists at work. His focus and attention to detail weren’t the least bit diminished by the heat of the day, the size of the canvas he was painting, nor the fact that he was painting in an alley that looks a little worse for wear. The act of creating art was all that mattered to him and that inspires me.