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Another surprise highlight was Simkin's mar- velous solo interpretation of a Jacques Brel song, Les Bourgeois. It was an entertaining and delightful characterization of a weary boulevardier, or man about town. Simkin has a way of throwing himself into the air as he leaps around the stage. However, it was his subtle, quick gestures — whether flicking a wrist, searching his pockets for cigarettes or nonchalantly shrugging a shoulder — that revealed the character's story in this short piece. As for the evening's other ballets, the Coppelia Pas de Deux was gentle but uninspired, while Erica De La O and Kristopher Wojtera collab- orated in Freeflow — a pared-down duet that nicely connected to the Bach music — for one of the interesting contemporary pieces on the program. Of course, there had to be a grand finale, but before the entire company of nine dancers filled the stage, performing a series of pirou- ettes that made them appear like a gathering of turning tops or whirling dervishes, each dancer had an opportunity to shine in the Don Quixote Divertissements. Among the memorable moments: Cornejo, in the white costume of a prince, striding onto the stage with the familiar panache of a premier dan- seur; a fiery Kuranaga tossing off a series of fouetees; and Cojocaru reprising the well- known flirtatious solo with a fan from the Don Quixote ballet. And as the evening came to a close, I am certain that I was not alone in feeling that a return engagement of Johan Kobborg, Alina Cojocaru & Friends would be a welcome and happy occasion. % Manuel R. Chepote, LUTCF Chepote Insurance Inc. 1300 Main Street • Sarasota, Florida (941) 366-0100 Serving Sarasota & Manatee Counties agents.allstate.com/manuel-r-chepote-sarasota-fl.html Click for driving directions Auto • Home • Life Renters • Motorcycles Flood • Business • Annuities Financial Services Sarasota News Leader May 2, 2014 Page 97