Carol Haney wasn’t just a dancer — she was the engine behind the scenes.
Before Bob Fosse found his style, before Gene Kelly dazzled in Singin’ in the Rain, before Jack Cole set the standard for theatrical jazz… Carol Haney was there. Assisting, dancing, innovating.
She spent years in the chorus, often uncredited, helping shape the golden age of movie musicals.
The Pajama Game changed everything — launching her into the spotlight and, finally, into a new era as a choreographer in her own right.
In this episode, I dig into her full legacy, including the oft-repeated story about Shirley MacLaine’s lucky break — and why it should never overshadow the work Haney actually did.
And yes, an exclusive: for the first time ever, you’ll see images from Haney’s high school days — never before made public. This podcast is the original source of their release, and Hey, Dancer! is proud and honored to bring them to light.
This is Carol Haney’s story. And it’s about time.
Conceived, starring, written, and researched by: Miller Daurey
Please like, and share the podcast!
Don't forget to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVffUUDYYun-pkFKi4jKpJw?sub_confirmation=
And follow my Instagram for daily dance inspo: https://www.instagram.com/backtogreat/
Thank you so much for supporting my journey! 💫❤️🙏🏼
Credit for the clips used in the video (names are YouTube handles):
5:40min: samfrancis9797
5:43 min: JazzMAD
6:27 min: kataandrae
6:56 min: AlexanderEinarVerdoux
7:09 min: toonifntstapetrove5233
This video complies with Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, which allows for the limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, and research. All clips are used transformatively, accompanied by original narration, verified historical context, and dance-specific analysis. I do not claim ownership of any third-party content; all inclusions serve a strictly educational purpose, supporting storytelling, cultural commentary, and archival documentation.
Films and archival materials featured include:
The Pajama Game (1957, Warner Bros.) – "Steam Heat" and "Hernando’s Hideaway"
Kiss Me Kate (1953, MGM) – "From This Moment On"
On the Town (1949, MGM)
Singin’ in the Rain (1952, MGM)
An American in Paris (1951, MGM)
Invitation to the Dance (1956, MGM)
Tea for Two (1950, Warner Bros.)
Down to Earth (1947, Columbia Pictures)
Clips are brief, selectively edited, and used under Fair Use for non-commercial purposes, including historical preservation, dance education, and biographical storytelling.
Before Bob Fosse found his style, before Gene Kelly dazzled in Singin’ in the Rain, before Jack Cole set the standard for theatrical jazz… Carol Haney was there. Assisting, dancing, innovating.
She spent years in the chorus, often uncredited, helping shape the golden age of movie musicals.
The Pajama Game changed everything — launching her into the spotlight and, finally, into a new era as a choreographer in her own right.
In this episode, I dig into her full legacy, including the oft-repeated story about Shirley MacLaine’s lucky break — and why it should never overshadow the work Haney actually did.
And yes, an exclusive: for the first time ever, you’ll see images from Haney’s high school days — never before made public. This podcast is the original source of their release, and Hey, Dancer! is proud and honored to bring them to light.
This is Carol Haney’s story. And it’s about time.
Conceived, starring, written, and researched by: Miller Daurey
Please like, and share the podcast!
Don't forget to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVffUUDYYun-pkFKi4jKpJw?sub_confirmation=
And follow my Instagram for daily dance inspo: https://www.instagram.com/backtogreat/
Thank you so much for supporting my journey! 💫❤️🙏🏼
Credit for the clips used in the video (names are YouTube handles):
5:40min: samfrancis9797
5:43 min: JazzMAD
6:27 min: kataandrae
6:56 min: AlexanderEinarVerdoux
7:09 min: toonifntstapetrove5233
This video complies with Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, which allows for the limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, and research. All clips are used transformatively, accompanied by original narration, verified historical context, and dance-specific analysis. I do not claim ownership of any third-party content; all inclusions serve a strictly educational purpose, supporting storytelling, cultural commentary, and archival documentation.
Films and archival materials featured include:
The Pajama Game (1957, Warner Bros.) – "Steam Heat" and "Hernando’s Hideaway"
Kiss Me Kate (1953, MGM) – "From This Moment On"
On the Town (1949, MGM)
Singin’ in the Rain (1952, MGM)
An American in Paris (1951, MGM)
Invitation to the Dance (1956, MGM)
Tea for Two (1950, Warner Bros.)
Down to Earth (1947, Columbia Pictures)
Clips are brief, selectively edited, and used under Fair Use for non-commercial purposes, including historical preservation, dance education, and biographical storytelling.