perform dancing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perform dancing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of engaging in dance as a performance or activity. Example: "The troupe will perform dancing at the festival this weekend, showcasing various styles from around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Then, as the audience went crazy -- with some of them waving Venezuelan flags in the balcony -- he brought his kids back, dressed in satin jackets, to perform, dancing around the stage while playing selections from West Side Story.

Huffington Post

The View Guest co-host Laverne Cox; Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga perform; "Dancing With the Stars" champions.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cheerleaders performed, dancing the can-can in purple hot pants.

The New York Times - Sports

On 11 June 1992, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA appeared on-stage in Stockholm for the first time in years to perform "Dancing Queen" with the band, which U2 had frequently performed on the tour up to that point.

Wikipedia

Mr. Toporenok gave up a career as a trained chef to teach and perform break dancing.

The New York Times

Black chorus girls performed uptown, dancing semi-tap, jazz and boogie-woogie between sets of band leaders like Cab Calloway and Count Basie.

The New York Times

Each group to consider the following variables (written on the board or copied into a handout for easier student access): FEATURES -What different kinds of features should the Web site provide for those interested in listening to, discussing, composing, sharing, performing and dancing to music?

The New York Times

*Did all the descriptions of Monica S. Lewinsky as "the portly pepperpot" in The New York Post stimulate sales of Campbell's Pepper Pot Soup? *Will a purposely cheesy performing monkey, dancing to a cha-cha tune in a garage, invite an advertising columnist to invest online and then declare "You ask a lot of questions for someone from Brooklyn"?

The New York Times

In the Wakashan area certain ceremonial cycles called for the dramatization of the whole tale of the supernatural encounter, which in some cases included the spirit-being's possession of and its eventual exorcism from the seeker; such dramas were performed by dancing societies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Next, she is shown performing and dancing in a black room with numerous chandeliers flickering on and off.

Wikipedia

The music video shows the group performing and dancing in front of digitized backgrounds, rapping about nights in the club and being "the sh-t".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a planned event, consider using "dance performance" instead of "perform dancing" for a more concise and common phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "perform dancing" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more standard terms like "dance performance" or "execute a dance" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perform dancing" functions as a verb phrase where "perform" acts as the main verb and "dancing" functions as a gerund, describing the action being performed. Ludwig provides examples where it is used to describe specific instances of dancing as a performance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "perform dancing" is a grammatically correct, though somewhat uncommon, way to describe the act of dancing as a performance. Ludwig confirms its validity with several examples, mostly found in news, encyclopedic and wiki-based contexts. While acceptable, "dance performance" or "execute a dance" are often preferred in more formal settings. Remember to be aware of your audience and choose the phrasing that best suits the tone and style of your writing. Alternatives such as "stage a dance" or "present a dance" can also offer variety and nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dance performance

Reverses the verb-gerund order, making it a noun phrase.

execute a dance

Replaces "perform" with "execute", focusing on the action.

present a dance

Substitutes "perform" with "present", emphasizing the act of showcasing.

do a dance routine

Uses "do" and specifies "routine", implying a structured dance.

enact a dance

Replaces "perform" with "enact", a more formal verb.

stage a dance

Uses "stage" to emphasize the theatrical presentation of the dance.

put on a dance show

Focuses on the entire event as a "show".

give a dance recital

Emphasizes the formal aspect of a dance performance.

offer a dance performance

Uses "offer" to suggest a presentation for an audience.

demonstrate dance moves

Focuses on the specific movements and skills being displayed.

FAQs

What does "perform dancing" mean?

The phrase "perform dancing" refers to the act of executing or presenting a dance, usually in front of an audience. It implies a deliberate and prepared action.

What can I say instead of "perform dancing"?

You can use alternatives like "dance performance", "execute a dance", or "present a dance depending on the context.

How is "perform dancing" different from "dance performance"?

"Perform dancing" is a verb phrase emphasizing the action, while "dance performance" is a noun phrase referring to the event or show itself. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting the act or the event.

Is "perform dancing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "perform dancing" is grammatically correct, but it's less common than alternatives like "dance performance" or "execute a dance". Ludwig confirms its validity with examples from reliable sources.