Bangarra dancer Daniel Mateo koreros with Sonja about the new Bangarra Dance Theater’s performance Horizon, a new collaborative 2 act dance works with the first time inclusion of Maori and Pasifika themes: ‘ Horizon is a coming together of cultures to define what is home, and how do we carry the spirit of home in our contemporary lives.’ Horizon is part of a greater discussion:’ a broader global First Nations conversation on issues that impact our people and country. We carry a responsibility to provide a platform for these unique stories and to shine a light on issues that other Indigenous people may be navigating. Through story we build a global First Nations creative network that supports each other both on and off stage’. As Daniel says in this korero about our First Nations collaborating together “ there’s similarities and differences and I think we can learn and grow from one another”.

Horizon is choreographed by Sani Townson (Saibai), Deborah Brown (Waikaid clan, Meriam) and Moss Te Uruangi Patterson (Ngāti Tūwharetoa). Daniel Mateo : ‘Daniel is a Gamilaroi mari from central northern NSW as well as Tongan from Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa Tongatapu. Born and raised in Orange (Wiradjuri Country) and later moved to Newcastle (Awabakal land), Daniel started his dance studies at Catapult Dance in Newcastle before moving on to NAISDA Dance College in 2019. He joined Bangarra in 2021 as one of two Russell Page Graduate Program recipients’ Horizon will be performed on Wurundjeri Country from August 28th until September 7th 2024 at Naarm’s iconic Arts Center.

Links here for more info: Horizon | Bangarra