Shelby Russ was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, where she started dancing at age three. At fifteen, she attended Howard W. Blake High School, training in ballet, modern dance, and choreography under renowned instructors like Jennifer Archibald and Jon Ole Olstad. She continued her education at the University of South Florida, collaborating with notable faculty and earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Her self-choreographed solo, "Woman's Search," was selected for the American College Dance Association national gala and performed at the 2023 Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.

In the 2023-2024 season, Shelby joined the Tampa City Ballet Company.