Danielle DellaValle-Zaist is many things. Currently, she’s the general manager of nightlife and activations for MGM Grand, New York-New York and Excalibur. She’s been a professional dancer and toured the world; she’s been a bartender; and she’s been a Coyote (a particular point of personal pride).
She joined the Coyote Ugly bar at New York-New York when it first opened its doors in 2001, and for nine years she danced, bartended and choreographed all the dance routines. After her run, she left to pursue management roles at various bars and restaurants across the Strip before rejoining the bar in 2014—this time in a management role. Now DellaValle-Zaist not only oversees the venue but the nightlife entertainment across all three properties.
“But Coyote Ugly is my baby—21 years worth,” she says. “There’s something special about Coyote Ugly—it has always empowered women and allows us to be who we are and grow into ourselves. Even the women that come here can dance on the bar and shine and let it all go. Our Coyotes help people live their best lives. It’s a wild night out and everyone feeds on the energy here.”
Besides her love for the bar that was inspired by the 2000 movie of the same name, DellaValle-Zaist also loves the nightlife industry.
“You really have to love nightlife,” she says. “My job is a passion—it inspires me every day. With nightlife I’m able to be unapologetically who I am and it’s great. If you truly love it, I think you can have a huge, long career in nightlife in Las Vegas.” DellaValle-Zaist is certainly proof of that.
Libation: My, My Miss American Rye
The My, My Miss American Rye specialty cocktail is mixed with Bulleit rye whiskey, Grand Marnier, peach schnapps, lemonade, orange juice and grenadine.
Benefit: After 9 p.m., women can let go of their inhibitions and dance with the Coyotes on the bar top for a free shot!
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