Duo DeMere

DuoDeMere

Artists. Entertainers. Educators.
Technical excellence. Theatrical connection.

Work with us
DeSean in a deep lunge holding Merry in a backbend, both in blue velvet

The artists

Headshot of DeSean Elliott

DeSean Elliott

Former Mr. Dance of the Bluegrass, DeSean is a trained competitive dancer. He has trained at the Atlanta Ballet and many other studios. He’s worked with dance conventions like Bella Moxi, as a background dancer, and as an educator/choreographer before beginning aerial acrobatics. DeSean works on stage and film. He performs contemporary, jazz, aerial straps, spiral, pole, and as an emcee.

Headshot of Merry King

Meredith “Merry” King

Merry is classical ballet trained and a current guest artist with the Lexington Ballet. She completed the theatre jazz track at Steps on Broadway’s conservatory in 2023. Merry is a professor of dance and communication at the University of Kentucky where she holds her PhD in communication for global development. She began circus training in 2016 and has trained in contortion, aerial silks, straps, lyra, sling, and numerous other apparatuses. She is also a trained singer (G3-C6).

In the air

Duo straps, duo spiral, and solo acts, performed with technical precision and theatrical intent.

Merry and DeSean together on the aerial spiral DeSean and Merry smiling, seated on the aerial spiral Merry and DeSean performing duo straps on red straps Merry in a backbend on the aerial spiral Merry on pink aerial silks in a sequin dress Merry hanging upside down in a split on purple aerial silks Merry in a contortion pose in a giant martini glass DeSean inverted on the aerial spiral

Dance

Ballet foundations, jazz, and contemporary work, performed as a duo and as soloists.

Watch our dance reel
Merry in an arabesque held by DeSean in a deep lunge Merry and DeSean in a partnered lift DeSean lifting Merry as she reaches back DeSean lifting Merry over his shoulder in a backbend DeSean holding Merry in a high kick Merry and DeSean in mirrored backbends on the floor Merry in a split over DeSean on the floor Merry and DeSean dancing in sync on stage Merry and DeSean laughing mid-dance on stage Merry and DeSean high-kicking on an outdoor stage DeSean dipping Merry in a high-kick lift on stage Merry and DeSean partnering on an outdoor stage at dusk DeSean lifting Merry in a backbend under laser lights DeSean lifting Merry in a backbend under a spotlight DeSean holding Merry in a backbend on an outdoor stage Merry and DeSean in an embrace on stage Merry and DeSean laughing in an embrace under purple light Merry in a deep jazz lunge DeSean in a deep backward lean in blue velvet DeSean in a split leap with laser lights behind him DeSean striking a pose on stage

Contortion

Merry trained in contortion and brings extreme flexibility to solo acts and to the duo’s partnering.

Merry in a contortion handstand on a block Merry in a standing scorpion on a white cube Merry in a contortion pose in silhouette beside a trapeze Merry in a standing split held by DeSean Merry in a deep backbend supported by DeSean Merry in an inverted split over DeSean's shoulder Merry balanced in an arabesque on DeSean's shoulders DeSean dipping Merry backward during Velvet Revival Merry in a split lift on DeSean's shoulder Merry arched backward over DeSean's shoulder during Velvet Revival

Content creation

We bring audiences into the studio with us, from partner tricks to behind-the-scenes moments. Our partner trick video hit 1M views.

Find us on social media: @circusmerry and @keyofsean

Screenshot of Merry and DeSean's partner trick video with 1M views

Brands we've worked with together

  • Fuego
  • Barre Trash
  • Vinaigrette
  • Lexington Ballet

Workshops and masterclasses

Duo DeMere teaches students to find joy in movement, take up space, and be themselves, and prepares them to navigate the professional industry. Our instruction is grounded in rigorous technique. Offerings include our Dance for the Camera masterclass.

Masterclasses and workshops can include

  • Contemporary, ballet, theatre, or commercial styles
  • Stage presence and confidence
  • Flexibility
  • Leaps, turns, and tricks
  • Partnering
  • Dance for the camera
  • Industry Q&As
  • Aerial silks taught by Merry, at select studios
Merry and DeSean taking a mirror selfie in the dance studio