The first piece that I decided to analyze was “Baamaaya,” which is a culturally significant performance from Ghana. This performance consists of music and traditional dance historically thought to have different origin stories. According to the textbook, ” One account says that it was danced at night because the movements kept mosquitoes away. Another account says the dance, with its twisting hip movements, was done to tease women.” There are actually other possible reasons why this dance was done, with one origin story being based on a ritual to apologize to the gods for crimes committed against women. According to the textbook, it was believed that this ritual was performed to make it rain since the gods used drought as a punishment for these crimes. Comparing the use of this performance for rain to the current use helps to show how time and societal changes influence the meaning of the dance and music. Today, the Baamaaya is used for funerals. These changes can be seen as positive because the ritual went from being used to apologize for crimes against women to honoring someones life.However, while the purpose of the performance changed overtime, the instruments used remained the same (these include talking drums, a flute, and rattles.

The second piece that I decided to choose was “Rite of Spring,” which is known for being controversial when it came out in 1913. Historically, this performance was seen in a satanic light due to the dissonant instrumental and the story-line. In summary, the story follows a virgin girl who is to be sacrificed by dancing in order for spring to come. Today, this performance is viewed as one that breaks the mold of what is expected for ballet, and allows for more flexible expression and creativity. This shift in how this piece is viewed is a positive one in the sense that it shows people being more open minded to the unordinary. While the historical and present day views of this ballet are on opposite spectrums, the actual meaning behind the performance stayed the same.