The Korean Students Association (KSA) presented Korean Night in the Sherman Function Hall, hoping to "set the bar for excellence in spreading the Korean tradition," according to a program message from the KSA president. Korean Night, noble in intentions, did not, however, always meet expectations.The night began on a pleasing note with Korean music being performed by gifted Brandeis musicians. I was jarred, however, by the way in which the host abruptly concluded the musical performance.

I now believe completely that first impressions are deceiving - the host at first seemed amiable, but he soon became a nuisance. Throughout the show, he continued to employ stalling antics - he tried being playful with the audience, but it became a bit trite. A more professional host - one, preferably, who did not present each act by stumbling with his hands to turn to the next page of the program while holding the microphone, and one who had more knowledge of Korean culture - could have been a good addition to the show.

As the Brandeis Lion Dance Troupe gained control of the stage, tension-building music played while members of the troupe pretended to engage in physical fights - causing many audience members in the back to stand on their chairs, curious to see the ensuing action. I could feel the anticipation spreading throughout the room and within myself - that is why I was slightly disappointed with the fighting scenes.

The performance lacked passion and composure and it seemed disorganized. The troupe redeemed themselves, when they costumed themselves in the opulently-decorated lions. Their ability to synchronize while holding the huge lions was impressive, but afterwards, I was disappointed once again by an ending that did not seem final. I was waiting for something, some kind of grand conclusion to the fight, but it never came.

Next came the Bai Cha Breakerz, a break-dancing group of children ranging in age from 11 to 17. The most notable dancer was the youngest, who kept spinning on the dance floor to the beat of heart-pumping music until the cheering audience could cheer no more.

After an intermission at which Korean food was served, the show continued. KSA should be applauded for giving audience members a taste of Korean food, especially since they also included the recipe for the meal in the program.

KSA should also be commended for inviting Hye Won Lee, a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston, for her performance on a gu moon go, a traditional Korean instrument.

A modernized version of "Hungbo's Gourd," a Korean folk tale, was performed. This addition to the show was important, because from this I learned the most about Korean culture.

The Brandeis raving and break-dancing group created an uproar, despite a few mishaps.

Finally, the last two acts stole the show - Brandeis graduate Sophia Moon '02 stunned the audience with her rousing voice, and Company SouL wooed the women with their hot dance moves and striking voices. Company SouL, without a doubt, astonished everyone with their in sync dancing, while each member maintained their own personable appeal. Members of the group were featured dancers in a plethora of renowned music videos, and it certainly showed.

I did not feel I learned as much as I had expected about Korean culture at the end of the evening. Although KSA did an outstanding job in publicizing and producing an expansive variety of talent, by the end of the night I was still not completely satisfied.