Paul Mercurio began dancing at the age of nine, earning a scholarship to the Australian Ballet School, and spending 10 years with the prestigious Sydney Dance Company under the direction of Graeme Murphy. In 1992, he starred in the break-out hit Strictly Ballroom, and began a career as an actor. He toured with his own dance troupe, Australian Choreographic Ensemble, from 1992-98. At the same time he starred in a number of films, including Exit to Eden, Back of Beyond, and Joseph. He continues to appear regularly on Australian television and work in feature films.