Prior to their performance, the pair explained that they created the piece because they felt the dance world is not tackling enough political issues, and they wanted to contribute to that conversation. The performance represented a sneak preview of a more substantial piece they are preparing. The dance featured five thematic gestures, derived from the Civil War, pulled from house slave movements, shucking and jiving, and the ways that soldiers hold a rifle, among other gestures. The two showcased and explained each gesture before they danced for the assembly.