Sissone stands as one of the most elegant of Richard MacDonald’s Ballet works: elegant in the truest sense of the word, it expresses the refined grace of one of the world’s consummate classical dancers. When Richard MacDonald was studying the dancers of the Royal Ballet in London he was working with dancers of flawless technical prowess and highly developed artistic sensibilities. Sissone emerged from this creative period as a reflection of one great artist’s understanding of the artistry of the performer, with the delicate arching of the back, the graceful sweep of the curved arms, and the perfect extension of the outstretched leg. There is exhilaration to be felt in viewing this work – it is a moment of ideal beauty; physical, spiritual, and fleeting. Sissone is a reminder that human achievement can be dazzling, and we can trace exceptional physical accomplishments to a feeling that comes from the heart of the performer, and strikes a chord in our own.