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The Nov. 7 elections have come and gone, but democracy was still at the forefront of some youngsters’ minds last week. Convening around two makeshift birdcages, their opinions were heard — and their votes counted.
The focus of their efforts were two turkeys — covered in white, fluffy feathers and weighing at least 25 pounds — pacing in separate cages. It was as if they, too, were anxious about the impending decision.
Jason Douglas, owner of DanceAdelphia, a studio at 11th Street and Snyder Avenue, first asked his group to name the bird fluttering inside the cage on Snyder. Their ideas ran the gamut: Beavis, Snowball, Melanie, Peanut Butter, Brownie and Bubble Gum.
It was then off to the other turkey on 11th. Names included Hannah, Salsa, Zack and Glitter. Glitter and Bubble Gum were deemed the favorites by a show of hands and the children, ranging in age from 5 to 7, jumped and screamed in excitement.
After the votes were jotted down, it was time for the 9- to 12-year-olds to have their say: Turkalicious for the bird on Snyder and Cluckalicious for its counterpart. Douglas thinks the choices might have something to do with the new pop song "Fergalicious," a solo effort by Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie.
There were no sad faces, since all the kids scored free juice — and the chance to savor the true holiday spirit.
"Nobody eats [the turkeys]," Douglas told the crowd of more than 40 people. "They get to stay on the farm and live forever."
The event (named this time around "Save a Turkey, Save a Life") has been a ritual at Douglas’ dance studio for five years. Promoting the idea of giving thanks for life’s blessings, the kickoff to a festive season is doing something special for the animals at center stage come Thanksgiving.
Douglas will donate the turkeys to the Morris Animal Refuge, 1242 Lombard St., where they will avoid the fate of many of their friends. Many birds once caged at DanceAdelphia now live on farms, and Douglas, who attains the turkeys through a farmer, has the photos to prove it.
He also is supplying the new owners with a generous donation (though he preferred to keep specifics private), saying he wants to make sure the people who give the turkeys a home have some funds to take care of them.
Moreover, the dancer hopes his students enjoy the experience. It mimics how his mother, known widely as Miss Annamarie, and grandmother Mary would decorate the studio’s windows for the holiday when they were the owners.
"For kids who normally don’t see [these animals], it’s unique and opens up their minds," he said.
The turkeys, who typically attract attention from residents across South Philly, are the stars at DanceAdelphia this time of year. It is not uncommon to see passersby stop and pose for shots with them before their removal on Black Friday.
Their presence also has created quite the commotion for DanceAdelphia members, who take part in numerous forms of movement — from ballet to hip-hop. The cages are placed right outside the building’s windows.
"It’s like having an audience watching us, yet they can’t speak," Cecily Giancaterino, of the 2400 block of South Hutchinson Street, said.
"They can cluck though," responded Dean Dejesse from the 900 block of Kimball Street.
The two stood at the cage on Snyder and watched the turkey meander over to its food and water containers. Occasionally, it stared them right in the face.
Giancaterino said she was happy Douglas saved the animal she’s now able to witness up close and personal. The 11-year-old was excited to be there the day the birds made their initial appearance.
"Jason really cares about nature and animals," the dancer, who has attended the studio for the past four years, said.
Despite 12-year-old Dejesse’s affinity for the winged creatures, one thing is certain: Turkey will still be part of his holiday celebration, which he’ll spend half with his mom and the other with his dad.
The same holds true for resident Jennifer Nini, whose daughter, Rebecca, attends DanceAdelphia. After watching the bird, she feels a little guilty knowing a turkey will be on the Thanksgiving dinner table.
"I’m an animal-lover," Nini said while standing near the birds as she held her other daughter, Samantha. "It might be better not to see them."
Though the debate on whether to eat or not to eat continued, Nini was happy, nonetheless, about the experience.
"It’s nice for the kids," she said. "Everybody overlooks Thanksgiving and goes right to Christmas.
"The kids realize it’s giving thanks for what they have."
With the holiday shopping season officially beginning this week, the resident was glad that children could "forget about the toys for five minutes and be thankful."
