Richmond’s own Garry Callis Jr. has a lot going on right now. Whether he’s lighting up the dance floor or making his mark on the golf course, he’s forging his own path and inspiring others to join him along the way.
RVA Hard Dance Collective: A Shot of Energy for Richmond’s Dance Scene
It started with an idea as simple as it was brilliant: get people moving. A few years ago, Garry launched the RVA Hard Dance Collective, a group of friends who saw dance floors as more than spaces—they’re opportunities. “No one likes being the first one dancing,” he says. “So my friends and I try to hype up the crowds at shows.”
There’s no pretense in his words. It’s not about flashy moves or viral moments; it’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel free to let loose. Shuffle classes at VCU added another layer, turning hesitant beginners into dancers who move with conviction. “My main goal is to bring more of that shuffle dance culture to Richmond and get people moving,” he says.
His Instagram, @rvahdc, serves as both a rallying cry and a roadmap for anyone curious. This isn’t about watching from the sidelines—it’s about jumping in.
FlingGolf: Reinventing the Fairway
And then there’s FlingGolf. If dance is where Garry lets his energy flow, this is where his precision and strategy come alive. It’s golf, sure, but not the way your grandfather played it. One stick, one ball, and a lot more action. “It’s such a fun and accessible sport,” Garry explains. “It combines the precision of golf with the flair of lacrosse.”
If you’ve never heard of FlingGolf, don’t worry. You’re not alone. But Garry is doing his part to change that. Ranked 28th in the world, featured on ESPN, and leading the River City Rogues—his professional team—he’s putting Richmond on the map for this growing sport. And he’s not stopping there. Plans for a 2025 tournament in Richmond are already in motion.
“I just want to do my part for Richmond and its people,” he says. Simple words, but they carry weight. A tournament isn’t just about the sport; it’s about giving the city something new, something it didn’t know it needed.
Connecting a City, One Move at a Time
Garry Callis Jr. isn’t the loudest voice in the room, but he doesn’t have to be. His work speaks for itself. On the dance floor, he’s the guy who makes it okay to let go. On the golf course, he’s the one proving that tradition can make room for innovation.
“I’m just trying to do my part for Richmond,” he says. And he does it without fanfare, without the need for accolades. It’s about movement, connection, and pushing boundaries—whether it’s through a shuffle step or a perfectly flung ball.
“I’m just trying to do my part for Richmond and its people,” he says simply. And he’s doing it in a way that feels true to the city’s ethos—unpretentious, energetic, and DIY.
