Tiny Dancers Raise $1K+ To Help Hospitality Workers In Pandemic

CENTER MORICHES, NY — A new dance studio that opened during the pandemic is not only offering students classes but also, aiming to teach them how to give back.

Dani-Marie Dicecco spoke to Patch recently about the challenges and joys of opening the U Gotta Dance studio with partner Evelyn Zangrillo at 130 Montauk Highway in East Moriches during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dani-Marie, like her husband Jerry Dicecco, who owns Jerry & the Mermaid, a restaurant in Riverhead, didn't let the coronavirus thwart her dreams.

Instead, she and Zangrillo used the lockdown time to reimagine their business, which opened in July, with a full array of social distancing measures to ensure the children who come to dance can do so safely.

(Courtesy Dani-Marie Dicecco)

Both Dani-Marie and her husband believe in giving back. Jerry has teamed up with Branches Long Island to create "The Mermaid Project," a fundraiser to help hospitality and restaurant workers hit hard by the pandemic.

And on Sunday, U Gotta Dance hosted a dance party to benefit The Mermaid Project, Dani-Marie said. Those who made donations signed up for 45-minute dance sessions.

The day was filled with fun and giving, she said.

"Our dance party fundraiser was a success," Dani-Marie said. "I am excited to announce that we were able to reach our fundraiser goal of $1,000. What warms my heart even more is we are raising community hepers. It takes working together to make a difference and that is what all of our little dancers did today."

Dani-Marie also plans to add a new program at U Gotta Dance, a program called "Community Helpers." The goals, she said, is to set a good example and raise the next generation of community helpers.

During the coronavirus pandemic uncertainty that left many in the restaurant hospitality industry crippled, unable to work or put food on their own tables at home, Jerry decided to do all he could to extend a lifeline to those in desperate need.

While the past months haven't been easy for Jerry, owner and chef at Jerry & The Mermaid on East Main Street, with sheer grit and innovation, he's managed to stay open in some form throughout the entire year, save one day at the start of the shutdown.

Jerry is acutely aware that he's been fortunate, that many of his colleagues and friends in the hospitality industry have been slammed, left struggling to survive. That's where the idea was born for The Mermaid Project, a plan he created to feed 50 local families for 10 weeks this winter.

On Tuesday, he announced on Facebook that so far, $50,000 has been raised in three weeks — and that the effort is halfway to meeting its goal.

Both Dani-Marie and Jerry are teaching their own children and others about a lifelong love of giving back.

Once pandemic restrictions are lifted, Dani-Marie also wants to become an East Moriches community partner, with students participating in parades and other fundraisers to help others through their love of dance.

The pandemic, Dani-Marie said, has helped her to see the world differently. "This time has taught me to take a moment, to appreciate the little things. And also to be able to handle change and be adaptable."

She wants to create a welcoming and safe oasis at U Gotta Dance, Dani-Marie said. "We want people to feel they are part of a family."