Russell Horning, professionally known as The Backpack Kid, gained widespread recognition for creating and popularizing the ‘Floss’ dance, transforming him into a global cultural phenomenon. His entertainment career began as a social media influencer, with the ‘Floss’ dance becoming a viral internet meme after Horning performed it in an August 2016 video. This unique dance, characterized by swinging arms with clenched fists from back to front, quickly established him as an early innovator in viral content creation and laid the groundwork for significant opportunities within the entertainment industry. A pivotal moment in Horning’s career occurred in May 2017 when he was invited to perform the ‘Floss’ dance live on ‘Saturday Night Live’ alongside Katy Perry during her performance of ‘Swish Swish.’ This national television exposure significantly amplified his visibility beyond social media, introducing him to a broader audience and cementing his status as a cultural figure.
Salem Chapter,’ ‘Spy Balloon,’ and ‘A Bump in the Night.’ Further expanding his creative footprint, Horning is slated to compose music for the upcoming project ‘The Hit-List,’ scheduled for release in 2025, underscoring his diverse talents across multiple facets of the entertainment industry.