performing arts: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “performing arts” mean?
Forms of creative activity that are performed in front of an audience, such as drama, music, and dance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Forms of creative activity that are performed in front of an audience, such as drama, music, and dance.
The professional field, academic study, and cultural institutions dedicated to these live artistic disciplines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., theatre/theater).
Connotations
Both varieties strongly associate the term with formal training, cultural institutions, and professional practice.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “performing arts” in a Sentence
NOUN + of + performing arts (e.g., a school of performing arts)ADJ + performing arts (e.g., contemporary performing arts)VERB + performing arts (e.g., to teach performing arts)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “performing arts” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company will be performing arts outreach in community centres.
American English
- The troupe is performing arts education workshops across the state.
adjective
British English
- She secured a performing arts scholarship at a London college.
American English
- The city has a vibrant performing arts district downtown.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to the economic sector, e.g., 'Investing in the performing arts can boost local tourism.'
Academic
Referring to a field of study, e.g., 'Her PhD focuses on sociology within the performing arts.'
Everyday
Referring to hobbies or local events, e.g., 'My children are interested in the performing arts.'
Technical
Referring to specific disciplines, techniques, or infrastructure, e.g., 'The course covers lighting design for the performing arts.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “performing arts”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “performing arts”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “performing arts”
- Using a singular verb (e.g., 'The performing arts is...') – treat as plural: 'The performing arts are...'.
- Confusing 'performing arts' (live) with 'fine arts' (visual).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is treated as a plural noun (e.g., 'The performing arts are diverse'). However, it can be used attributively in a singular form as a compound adjective (e.g., 'a performing arts academy').
'Performing arts' involve live performance (theatre, dance, music). 'Fine arts' traditionally refer to visual arts created primarily for aesthetic value (painting, sculpture).
Typically, film is classified under 'cinematic arts' or 'media arts'. While it involves performance, 'performing arts' conventionally emphasises liveness and direct audience presence, though the boundaries can blur.
Use it as a plural noun to denote the field. Be specific when referring to a subset (e.g., 'the digital performing arts'). It is a standard term in university department names and research.
Forms of creative activity that are performed in front of an audience, such as drama, music, and dance.
Performing arts is usually neutral to formal in register.
Performing arts: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈfɔːmɪŋ ɑːts/, and in American English it is pronounced /pərˈfɔːrmɪŋ ɑːrts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Break a leg! (idiom used to wish a performer good luck, indirectly related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PERson FORMING impressive ACTS on a stage –> PERFORMING ARTS.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PERFORMING ARTS ARE A LIVING ORGANISM (e.g., 'The arts scene is thriving,' 'A vibrant festival').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a core performing art?