Archives for June 2018

National Geographic Encounter ‘Ocean Odyssey’ Takes Visitors On an Immersive Underwater Adventure

Immersive experiences are changing the entertainment game.

This past weekend, my kids and I visited National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey where we got the chance to see just how transformative virtual reality and digital technology can be when it comes to fun and recreation.

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Located in the heart of Times Square, the sprawling 60,000-square foot space is a first-in-kind, deep-sea multi-sensory attraction. My children didn’t know what to expect, but our journey from the South Pacific to the coast of California was off to a great start upon entry.

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As our adventure got underway, we were immediately transfixed and mesmerized by the aquatic details and authentic oceanic elements.

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As we made our way throughout the experience, our senses were treated to impeccable sights, sounds and textures that transported us to the depths of the deep blue sea. However, our journey wasn’t all seahorses and starfish – we also learned about dangerous coral reefs and treacherous predators that call the ocean home too.

From interactive play with adorable sea lions to an up-close-and-personal encounter with a humpback whale to a 3D swimming session with a massive school of fish, the guided tour is chock full of amazing visuals and awesome, educational storytelling.

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Plus, after the guided tour and making your through a mind-bending maze, visitors are free to dive into a variety of cool interactive displays including games and educational kiosks in Exploration Hall, as well as an adjoining museum featuring stunning photography that highlights the negative impact plastic has on our marine life and overall environment.

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If you’re looking for an unforgettable underwater experience that doesn’t require a wetsuit, look no further than this high-tech attraction. Kids and adults alike will have a FIN-tastic time!

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For tickets and more information, click here.

Have you visited National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey? If so, how would you describe your experience?

Review: ‘Funkedified’ Takes Audiences on a Funky Dance Trip Back in Time

Before there was hip-hop, there was funk!

This past weekend, I took the kids to see “Rennie Harris: Funkedified” at the New Victory Theater here in New York City.

The 60-minute performance celebrates the origins of street dance including popping, locking and breakdancing.

Set in the ‘70s,  the show features mesmerizing flips, unbelievable footwork and crazy acrobatics accompanied by an incredible live band. “Funkedified” fuses two separate eras of funk—old school and contemporary—while pushing the genre’s boundaries.

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Long before hip-hop dominated pop culture, the sounds of George Clinton, James Brown and other kings and queens of funk music were a mainstay on the airwaves in the ‘70s. The jazzy beats and soulful rhythms inspired a culture of social party dances within African-American communities throughout the country, primarily on the east coast. This spellbinding performance pays homage to the dance genre that paved the way for hip-hop and cemented it as a force within modern culture.

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Photo by Brian Mengini

It’s a funky trip back in time that entertains children while educating them on a dance and music genre that sometimes gets forgotten. It’s good for little ones to learn about the origins of some of their favorite dances and music that they hear today. In fact, my son loves to breakdance. We’re not sure where he picked it up, but when asked to dance, he hits the floor and moves!  So, exposing him to his favorite dance on a professional level in a big stage was a cool experience.

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My son MJ with funk master Phil Cuttino from “Rennie Harris: Funkedified” at New Victory Theater in New York City.

Both of my kids enjoyed the show from start to finish. From the flips to the breakdancing, it was a fun afternoon for all. The hard part was staying in our seats!

Funkedified” runs through Sunday, June 10th at New Victory Theater located, 209 W. 42nd Street in New York City. For more information, please visit New Victory Theater

*Full disclosure: I was comped a couple tickets to the show for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

What’s your favorite music and/or dance genre?