As a dawning light breaks on the Civic Theatre Stage in Newcastle, on the traditional lands of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, we see a a mountainous skyline. In the dawn light, Bangarra dancer Daniel Matteo takes to the stage, and the depth and wonder that Bangarra bring to every performance is already evident. As the work builds, three female dancers embody the shape of sails, highlighting the adventurous, seafaring spirit of First Nations people. The set and the lighting move with the same grace and fluidity as the dancers. Scenes merge effortlessly and enchantingly. The horizon disappears, and suddenly we are deep in the salt water. Brown’s ingenious choreography is perfectly symbiotic with the oceanic rhythms. Movements suggest a gentle narrative of storms and stars, while leaving enough room to bask in the imagination of the sea. The highlight of the work is “Reef,”  with Steve Francis and Brendon Boney’s delightful score hinting at ocean sounds, coral, pearls, and clams. Daniel Matteo’s opening solo, along with Lillian Banks’ enthralling Blue Star linger long in the memory. Local star on the rise, James Boyd also brought a sense of soaring pride to the performance.