When Mick Stone first stepped into a dance class at 12 years old, he couldn’t have imagined the path it would take him on. What began as an after-school passion quickly grew into a full-blown career, with Mick trading in his sporting afternoons for training sessions and eventually earning a traineeship at Lee Academy. “It wasn’t long until dancing took over every afternoon and night,” Mick recalls. “That’s when I knew it was more than a hobby — it became my passion.”
From Luna Park to the World Stage
Mick’s professional career kicked off in 2007 at Luna Park Sydney, where he cut his teeth in street-style performance and roving entertainment. “Those early years set me up with skills in connecting with audiences,” he says. “It’s also where I first discovered stilt walking — combining that with my adagio work gave me something unique to specialise in.” 
That uniqueness carried him across the globe. From Universal Studios Singapore and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel, to the spectacular Voyage de la Vie at Resorts World Sentosa, and World of Wonders at The Okada Manila, Mick has worked alongside international casts and world-class creatives. “What stands out most about performing abroad are the incredible places you get to go and the people you meet,” he says. “But performing back home is special too — it means my family and friends can be there to see it live.”
Finding Flight in Aerial
Mick’s love for aerial performance took hold during Voyage de la Vie, where he trained alongside Olympic gymnasts and high-level circus artists. Returning to the Central Coast, he continued his training at Lee Academy, refining his skills into a career-defining specialty. His aerial work has since featured everywhere from Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights to corporate galas, Norwegian Cruise Line, Brisbane’s Pink Flamingo, and now in Sundown Productions’ circus cabaret Nostalgia.
A Pantomime Favourite
Closer to home, Mick became a familiar face in Bonnie Lythgoe’s OzPanto productions, with credits including Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. “To be honest, I didn’t really know what pantomimes were before I auditioned,” he laughs, “but I came to love them fast.” His favourite role? Playing Pirate Watt in Peter Pan alongside Todd McKenney’s Captain Hook. “Pantomimes have it all — dance, singing, acting, stunts, comedy, and audience engagement. They’re such a joy for all ages.”
A Partnership That Clicks
If there’s one partnership audiences know Mick for, it’s his long-running collaboration with Emma Macpherson. The two met at Lee Academy over 20 years ago and have been creating magic together ever since. Their adagio pieces, including Papa Don’t Preach and a breathtaking Hallelujah choreographed by Jo Cotterill, have earned standing ovations across the country. “Every time we work together it’s pure magic,” Mick says. “We’re like family. People often ask if we’re a couple, but we’re just very close friends who’ve been performing together forever.”
That partnership has now come full circle with both Mick and Emma starring in Nostalgia at Airlie Beach, a cabaret blend of circus, dance, and music that celebrates their shared journey.
The Golden Buzzer Moments
Of course, Australian audiences will remember Mick from his multiple appearances on Australia’s Got Talent. In 2016, he and Emma wowed the judges with an adagio duet, earning Sophie Monk’s Golden Buzzer — televised nationwide on Mick’s birthday. “It was surreal,” he reflects. “Those big red X’s are daunting, but then to get a standing ovation, feedback from the judges, and Sophie hitting that buzzer… it’s something I’ll never forget.”
He returned in 2019 as part of Lee Academy’s aKrobatiKa team, earning not one but two Golden Buzzers — from Manu Feildel and Todd McKenney. “That moment of joy was magnified by sharing it with a whole team who had worked so hard for it,” he says.
In 2022, Mick once again joined aKrobatiKa, this time supporting two Ukrainian dancers, Mariia and Vlada, who had fled their country to continue their training. Their performance was rewarded with a Golden Buzzer from host Ricki-Lee. “That one was extra special,” Mick explains. “It wasn’t about me. It was about giving those girls the same feeling I’d had before. Watching them experience that was incredible.”
Jack of All Stages
From theatre and circus to screen and corporate, Mick thrives on variety. “I really pride myself on being able to cross into different areas of performing,” he says. “Theme parks, festivals, corporate events, music videos, television — I love it all. As long as I can bring joy to people and my body can keep up, I’ll keep going. At 35, I can definitely say I’m not done yet!”
He has also worked on campaigns for Belle Property and appeared in music videos for Sarah Head (Me and Jack), Kristy Lamb (Judgement Day), and Natalie Conway (Summer to Stay). While screen work presents its own challenges — retakes, precision, and no live audience — Mick embraces it. “It’s different, but the end product is always worth it,” he says.
Advice for the Next Generation
For young dancers chasing big dreams, Mick’s advice is heartfelt:
“Take up every opportunity. Be versatile. Remember that every class, every conversation, every person you meet is an audition. Present yourself in the best possible way, give yourself that advantage — and just be kind.”
Mick Stone’s journey shows what happens when you back yourself, stay versatile, and chase every chance — from a 12-year-old trainee to global stages, Golden Buzzers, and show-stopping performances. Now lighting up Nostalgia in Airlie Beach, Mick proves that the hustle never stops… and his biggest chapters are still ahead.
