Grew up in Fremantle on the west coast of Australia

Danced with the West Australian Ballet Company and later attended the Australian Ballet School

Toured in both Australia and abroad with the Sydney Dance Company

Appeared on US TV when he danced with the Sydney Dance Company in "Boxes: With the Sydney Dance Company", aired on PBS station as part of the series, "Great Performances"

Founded own ballet company, the Australian Choreographic Ensemble (ACE)

Co-founded a production company, Feel Good Films; first undertaking was a documentary, "Life's Burning Desire", about the presentation of Mercurio's first work with the ACE and his making of "Strictly Ballroom" (date approximate)

Made feature film debut in the leading role of the Australian dance-oriented musical romance, "Strictly Ballroom"

Made US feature film debut in a leading role in the comedy, "Exit to Eden"

Commissioned by ABC-TV to choreograph a dance film, "Envy"; part of a series which aired during the summer on Australian TV, "Seven Deadly Sins"

Made silent cameo appearance in Stephan Elliot's "Welcome to Woop Woop"