But if ever a human being understood the essence of music, it was MacMillan.
The Messenger of Death (Fernando Carratala Coloma) inevitably wins as we cheerfully dance our life away but there is something touchingly supportive in his kiss of death.
He somehow says we are his children; but this is MacMillan’s genius. Frighteningly insecure in himself as he was, in Song Of The Earth he touches base with a faith and love for his fellow man.
Personally I call that art. For some inexplicable reason the opening few minutes of the usually utterly charming La Sylphide were a bit of a mess.
This version was put together in 1836 in Denmark by August Bournonville and is considered the precursor of classical ballet as we know it today.
The piece, with music by Herman Severin Lovenskiold, opened with hero James (Isaac Hernandez) snoozing centre stage with the eponymous Sylph (Jurgita Dronina) kneeling sweetly at his feet.
But something was wrong. Dronina was off the music and the few villagers were a tad haphazard. Thank goodness, though, it all pulled together and the company on the whole, kilts and all, were a triumph.
Hernandez carried the night, featuring his superb jump with arms rarely rising above his head – a 19th-century foible – and partnering superbly. His mate Gurn (Daniel Kraus), though wooing the same girl, has a great deal of gumption which should mean a very bright future.
But Dronina was the weak link, simultaneously wooden and fluttery. And instead of glowing with the feminine love men are supposed to find irresistible, she acted with all the sincerity of a game of charades.
But it really did not matter, the company dancers gave us a fab night out. ENB is still on this week at the London Coliseum partnering La Sylphide with the French sex-in-the-attic romp Le Jeune Homme Et La Mort.
If you have never considered ballet to be your favourite aperitif, risk it and I guarantee you will be both shaken and stirred.
Song of the Earth / La Sylphide – English National Ballet London Coliseum, WC2
Tickets: 0870 405 4454/ballet.org.uk; £12-£65