Moves that will make their mark at festival

A scene from the dance number “Red Heart.” Provided by the organizer

Before they were pop icons, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake entertained children on “The Mickey Mouse Club” TV show.

Likewise, scores of now-famous bands started small, earning their chops in dingy clubs, while some of the world’s top actors once performed at half-empty community theaters.

Everyone has to start somewhere, after all.

Seeing amateur performers before they become big-time celebrities can be exciting - and gives you endless bragging rights down the road. And now you have a chance to check out the next generation of up-and-coming Korean dancers and choreographers at the Dream and Vision Dance Festival, which runs through July 11.

You won’t find professional dancers performing established pieces like “Swan Lake” at this event. Instead, the festival serves as a venue for emerging dancers to put their names on the map as choreographers.

“People will see some experimental pieces with unique colors instead of sophisticated pieces with a high level of perfection,” said event organizer Lee Dong-min.

A total of 18 dancers - from freelancers to members of prominent dance companies - will participate in the festival, which is now in its 10th year. Four winners will be chosen by a group of judges that includes a dance critic, a veteran dancer and some audience members. The winners get to perform at the 15th Changmu Art Festival in August.

“Dream and Vision Dance Festival” shows take place Fridays and Saturdays through July 11 at the Post Theater near Hongik University. Tickets are 10,000 won ($8). For reservations, call 1544-1555 or visit www.interpark.com.

By Kim Hyung-eun [hkim@joongang.co.kr]