Russ started on his entertainment career path by
singing on stage at the tender age of 9 years old.
He started doing summer stock in his early teens.
Russ performed with various groups in Colorado
while gaining notoriety for his talent.
In 1987, Russ moved to Las Vegas where he worked at the Osmond's Performance Academy teaching tap and jazz classes. He went to dance for Princess Cruises in California in 1989, but eventually came back to Las Vegas where he worked with Jackie Jaeger at the University of Nevada Las Vegas for three years on such productions as Kiss Me Kate, Oklahoma, and Best Little Whore House in Texas. He also worked closely with teacher and choreographer Donna Washington on several shows for Penny France Productions in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.
Russ' talents afforded him the opportunity to study with tap legend Henry LeTang, where his relationship as student and protege grew for over a decade. Within that time, Russ worked on several projects with Mr. LeTang in various Las Vegas, California, and Colorado locations, assisting with staging and production. Mr. LeTang endorsed Russ with the privilege of his teaching method, curriculum, and choreography. Russ also studied with vocal teacher and coach Kenneth Kamal Scott from New York.
Russ performed in several industry productions while working with James Coburn and danced in a production with Billy Vera and the Beaters. He also performed as a voiceover for the Pointer Sisters.
Russ was a lead dancer for the Country Star Cafe in Las Vegas where he worked with some of country music royalty like Reba McIntyre, Vince Gill, and Tracy Lawrence. It was experience such as this that led Russ to begin producing and choreographing on his own in Las Vegas for local events.
In 2000, Russ moved back to Colorado and became an intricate part of the tap program at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. He builds off his life experiences as he produces, choreographs and sings in Colorado for the Center and for various organizations.
Russ was the 2008 recipient of the Italian Entertainer of the Year Award in Colorado at the Primo Awards produced by the Andiamo newspaper.
Biography:
