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“What you see at DanceAdelphia is what comes out of DanceAdelphia,” co-owner Jason Douglas said of his site, 1100 Snyder Ave.
With 57 years in the community, the Lower Moyamensing location has become the city’s longest-running dance studio and has earned readers’ respect as the top such destination. Hundreds of registrants currently craft their mastery in up to seven disciplines under Douglas, a Penns Landing resident whose mother, Anna Marie DiEgidio, began operations in 1956 at Seventh and Federal streets. The participants, ranging from 3-year-olds to a 70-something zumba practitioner, receive tastes of his boundless positive energy at each session, with many of their predecessors having earned Broadway and film roles and having decided to open their own spots. Along with his attitude, Douglas relies on a mirror from the first address to inspire efforts.
“We have people who represent the fourth generation of their families to come here, so I tell them, ‘Hey, great-grandmom danced in front of this, too,” he said.
With an emphasis on nurturing and not rushing talent, Douglas enjoys conveying his mindset to his charges and does so knowing that way more than his livelihood depends on it.
“We’re grateful to have this honor,” he said, “because we approach everything with one message and that’s if you love what you’re doing, you’ll do it for a long time.”
Joanna Studio of Dance graced second place, while three facilities spun into third.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
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