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A big thanks to Iain Webb and the Sarasota Ballet for inviting a group of international ballet stars to wow Sarasota audiences with an evening's feast of exciting, beautiful danc- ing that, above all, allowed Alina Cojocaru to capture the audience's heart. The program opened with the familiar The Rose Adage variation from The Sleeping Beauty, which challenges a ballerina in terms of grace and ability as she balances in attitude while projecting the yearning of a young girl choosing a suitor. Cojocaru was spectacularly perfect as she collected a rose from each of the four courtiers. As each man left, she posed for a moment, arms circling above her head, until the next suitor stepped up to partner her. She is so light on her feet that when she dances, she appears to float across the stage like a fairy. But this illusion is made real by her strong technique. This Sleeping Beauty role is often associ- ated with the legendary Margot Fonteyn, with whom Cojocaru shares a liquid musi- cality and an easy grace; but in this evening's KOBBORG, COJOCARU AND FRIENDS WOW SARASOTA AUDIENCES By Elinor Rogosin A&E Writer Daniil Simkin/Contributed photo Sarasota News Leader May 2, 2014 Page 93