The Backpack Kid

Russell Horning, also known as The Backpack Kid, began his entertainment career at the age of 15 as a social media influencer. He gained widespread recognition for creating and popularizing the ‘Floss’ dance. This dance, which involves swinging arms with clenched fists from back to front, became a viral internet meme after Horning performed it in an August 2016 video. His early online success provided a foundation for further opportunities in the entertainment sector, distinguishing him as an early innovator in viral content creation.

A significant turning point in Horning’s career occurred in May 2017 when he was invited to perform the ‘Floss’ dance live on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL) alongside Katy Perry during her performance of “Swish Swish.” This exposure on a major national television platform amplified his visibility beyond social media, introducing him to a broader audience and solidifying his status as a cultural phenomenon. Following his SNL appearance, the ‘Floss’ dance became a global trend, notably integrated into the 2017 video game ‘Fortnite Battle Royale’ as a dance ’emote,’ further cementing his impact on popular culture.

Horning has since expanded his career into acting and music composition. He has appeared as ‘Self’ or ‘The Backpack Kid’ in various television productions, including ‘To Tell the Truth’ (2020) and the ‘Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2018.’ His acting credits also include roles in web series like ‘DashieGames’ (2018-2019) and music videos such as ‘Katy Perry Feat. Nicki Minaj: Swish Swish’ (2017). Currently, he is actively pursuing acting, enrolled at Nick Conti’s Professional Actors Studio in Atlanta, Georgia, and has upcoming acting projects in production, including ‘The Mask. Salem Chapter,’ ‘Spy Balloon,’ and ‘A Bump in the Night.’ He also has credits as a composer for short films like ‘Bleached’ (2023) and the upcoming project ‘The Hit-List’ (2025).