Steven Heathcote danced with the Australian Ballet for 25 years, a record 20 of them as a Principal Artist. Accepted into the Australian Ballet in 1983, Steven was promoted to soloist in 1985 and principal in 1987. His guest appearances overseas have been with a variety of companies including the Kirov Ballet in 1989 and American Ballet Theatre in 1991 and 1993, as well as Birmingham Royal Ballet, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, The Royal Danish Ballet, Kiev Ballet and Latvian National Ballet. He has had many roles created for him including leading parts in works by Australian choreographers such as Stephen Baynes (1914, Beyond Bach, Unspoken Dialogues), Graeme Murphy (Nutcracker, Swan Lake), Stephen Page (Alchemy, Totem), Natalie Weir (Mirror, Mirror) and Stanton Welch (Madame Butterfly, Corroboree and Cinderella).

Steven is the recipient of three Helpmann Awards and two Mo Awards. In 1991 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to dance.