Meet the Man Bringing Shuffle Dance and FlingGolf to Richmond

by | Jan 15, 2025 | COMMUNITY, CULTURE, DOWNTOWN RVA, ELECTRONIC & EXPERIMENTAL, NIGHTLIFE, OUTDOORS, POP CULTURE, SPORTS

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.

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Photo courtesy of Garry Callis Jr.

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.

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Photo courtesy of Garry Callis Jr.

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.

Garry Callis Jr_RVA Hard Dance Collective_FlingGolf_iver City Rogues_RVA Magazine 2025
Photo courtesy of Garry Callis Jr.

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.

Listen to Garry on Elliott In The Morning Podcast

R. Anthony Harris

R. Anthony Harris

In 2005, I created RVA Magazine, and I'm still at the helm as its publisher. From day one, it’s been about pushing the “RVA” identity, celebrating the raw creativity and grit of this city. Along the way, we’ve hosted events, published stacks of issues, and, most importantly, connected with a hell of a lot of remarkable people who make this place what it is. Catch me at @majormajor____




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