Shelby Russ was born and raised in Tampa, FL where she danced from age 3 in a local studio.  At 15, she attended the performing arts school Howard W. Blake High, where she trained in ballet, modern, choreography and had the opportunity to work with Jennifer Archibald, Jon Ole Olstad, Duncan Cooper, and Bliss Kohlmyer.

She then continued on to train at the University of South Florida and worked with Stephanie Martinez, Joshua Peugh, Michael Foley, Jeanne Travers, and Paula Nunez. Upon graduating with her Bachelor in Fine Arts, her self choreographed solo "Woman's Search" was selected for the American College Dance Association national gala in Long Beach, CA and than was further selected (1 of 5) to perform at the 2023 Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival.

She joined the Tampa City Ballet Company in the 2023-2024 season.