Merry-Go-Rounders (Company)

Established in 1952, the Merry-Go-Rounders was a non-profit children's dance and theater group started by the faculty of the New York YM-YWHA, which continued to perform under various auspices through 1974.

Originally under the artistic direction of Doris Humphrey, the group initially was based at the Children's Dance Department of the 92nd Street Y, which sponsored the Merry-Go-Rounders from 1952-1961. Multicultural in conception, choreographers for the Merry-Go-Rounders included Eva Desca, Geoffrey Holder, Lucas Hoving, Lucy Venable, and John Wilson. Between 1961 to 1968, the Merry-Go-Rounders operated as an independent dance company. Although they primarily performed in the New York City greater metropolitan area, they also appeared in such places as North Carolina, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. From 1968 to about 1974, the Merry-Go-Rounders operated under the Center for Modern Dance Education (CMDE), with a new cast and administrative crew, including artistic director Shirley Ubell. Under CMDE, the Merry-Go-Rounders also held dance classes for children. After 1974, the Merry-Go-Rounders disbanded.

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