A trip to the U.S. inspired the composer to write this piece. Enchanted by the jazz bands the composer heard in Harlem, the ballet shows a heavy influence of jazz and *blues*, as well as traditional *African rhythms*; Milhaud *omitted violas*, substituting an *alto saxophone.* Choreographed by Jean Börlin and using a set designed by *Cubist artist Ferdinand Leger*, the ballet aims to depict the beginning of creation according to African tradition: the creator gods *Mzame, Mbere, and Nkwa* appear out of a seemingly empty void to create animals, plants, and then the first man and woman. The latter then perform a routine based on popular *Dixieland* dances and conclude the ballet in the tableau "*The Man and the Woman Kiss*."