The Little Angels of Korea, a children’s folk ballet
company, will display 5,000 years of Korean tradition through
legends and folklore at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. today at Sooner
Theatre, located at 101 E. Main St.

The ensemble of 40 dancers, ages eight to 15, will present
vignettes and glimpses into Korea’s history through the
sights, sounds and rhythms of their native country.

James Kim, owner of Kim’s Martial Arts and Tae Kwon Do
School, located at 1040 N. Flood Ave., is responsible for
recruiting the Little Angels to perform in Oklahoma.

He said a friend in San Francisco knew of the performing group
and put him in contact.

“Last year, they were coming to San Francisco,” Kim
said. “My friend told me about them, and I said, ‘Hey,
I want them to come to Norman.’”

Kim said the dancers are very popular in Korea and around the
world.

The troupe visits several countries each year, maintaining a
busy travel schedule. Its full agenda requires people to make
reservations with them at least one year in advance.

The Little Angels’ current tour will weave them through
the country to cities such as Dallas, Houston, Santa Fe, N.M., St.
Louis and Detroit.

The group will even visit the White House before they return to
Korea.

Kim said he has contacted Gov. Brad Henry and Mayor Ron
Henderson with hopes that they will attend the event.

He said this show is very important to demonstrate and educate
Americans about Korean culture and tradition.

“I’m Korean, and I have lived in Norman for 29
years,” Kim said. “I want to have a special service. I
want more people to understand about Korea by showing
this.”

The Little Angels was founded May 5, 1962, by the Korean
Cultural Foundation to promote peace and display the loving Korean
spirit around the world.

The group of youngsters introduces Korean art and a long history
of hidden cultural treasures for all viewing audiences.

The Little Angels captivate spectators by incorporating
characteristics of Korean heritage through music, drumming and
dance.

Performances include the famous Fan Dance, the Farm Dance and
Hourglass Drum Dance, each one presenting a story within itself
with extravagant costumes and instruments.

Kim said he is optimistic about the production and the message
it will convey to local communities.

“I want to show all Norman and Oklahoma City people and
help them understand people in my country,” Kim said.
“This show will help them understand more about Korea through
formal dancing.”

Jennifer Heavner Baker, artistic director for Sooner Theatre,
said she does not know much about The Little Angels but she is
proud the group chose Sooner Theatre as its venue.

“We just know that it’s a huge show,” Baker
said. “We’re just so pleased to have them here. They
just look so precise. It’s going to be beautiful, and
we’re looking forward to it.”

Kim said he encourages people to experience this cultural event
to learn about another country’s traditions and also to enjoy
the entertainment.

“It’s a really good show with singing, dancing and
everything,” Kim said.
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