Upon matriculation, Johannesburg born Russell furthered his studies at the Technikon Pretoria and completed a National Diploma in Dance. During his studies there he was awarded the opportunity to spend a year in London studying at the London Studio Centre and the London Contemporary School, performing in various productions and working with leading choreographers.

Upon returning to South Africa he took up a position with the Bop Dance Company in Mmabatho under the directorship of David Krugel and a year later he moved to the Pact Dance Company where he was a soloist for 2 years and choreographed works on the company. An opportunity to go and work in Israel with the Bat-Dor Dance Co gave him the chance to work with many international choreographers.

On returning home he joined the Free Flight Dance Co under the directorship of Adele Blank where he performed many principal roles and being nominated numbereous times for Best Dancer. In 1998 he joined Les Trockadero de Monte Carlo where he toured the world extensively for two years performing in front of various dignitaries and in many galas. Before returning to South Afrcia, Russell completed a contract working with Donald Byrds -The Group. Currently he lives in Cape Town where he performs regularly with the Cape Town City Ballet and teaches at local dance institutions.