performing arts

USAGE SUMMARY

"performing arts" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to activities such as music, theater, dance, and visual arts. For example, "The school is planning to start a performing arts program next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Enjoy the performing arts?

The New York Times

"We all know the performing arts.

The New York Times

The performing arts are like that.

The New Yorker

Among the performing arts, music is emphasized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Includes music and performing arts.

Cornell University

The emphasis is on the performing arts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Two performing-arts teachers were hired.

The New York Times

The Celebrate Brooklyn! performing-arts festival.

The New Yorker

Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street.

The New York Times

KINGSTON Ulster Performing Arts Center Asia, rock.

The New York Times

Canfin Gallery, 39 Main Street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing educational programs, clarify the specific disciplines covered under "performing arts", such as music, theater, or dance, for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "performing arts" when referring to a single art form. Instead, specify the exact discipline, such as "theatre" or "music."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "performing arts" primarily functions as a collective noun, referring to a group of art forms that involve live performance. Ludwig shows examples of it describing fields of study, cultural activities, and industries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "performing arts" correctly and commonly refers to art forms involving live performance, such as theatre, music, and dance. As Ludwig indicates, its use is widespread across news, academic, and general contexts, showcasing its versatility. While versatile, ensure to avoid using "performing arts" when referring to specific and single art forms. Alternatives like "theatrical arts" or "live entertainment" can offer more specific descriptions. This phrase, while neutral in register, serves to categorize and discuss various artistic disciplines within a cultural or professional framework.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theatrical arts

Replaces the broader term "performing" with the more specific term "theatrical", focusing on stage-based performances.

dramatic arts

Similar to theatrical arts, but can encompass a broader range of dramatic expression, including film and television.

live entertainment

Shifts the focus from the artistic discipline to the experience of watching a live performance.

artistic performances

A broader term that can include both performing and visual arts.

live performance

Focuses on the live, real-time nature of the artistic presentation.

stagecraft

Emphasizes the technical aspects and skills involved in creating and presenting performances.

cultural performances

Highlights the role of performing arts in expressing and preserving cultural heritage.

musical performance

Specifies the type of performing art as related to music only.

dance performance

Specifies the type of performing art as related to dancing only.

entertainment industry

Broadens the scope to include the commercial aspects of producing and distributing performances.

FAQs

What exactly does "performing arts" include?

The term "performing arts" encompasses art forms such as theatre, dance, music, opera, circus, and puppetry, where artists use their voices or bodies to convey artistic expression. Each offers a unique mode of engaging with audiences and conveying meaning.

How can I use "performing arts" in a sentence?

You can use "performing arts" to describe a field of study (e.g., "She is majoring in "performing arts""), an activity (e.g., "They attended a "performing arts" festival"), or an industry (e.g., "The "performing arts" sector is vital to the city's economy").

What's the difference between "performing arts" and fine arts?

"Performing arts" involves live performances, whereas fine arts (/s/fine+arts) typically refers to visual arts like painting, sculpture, and photography, which are static and do not involve performance.

Are "performing arts" and "performance art" the same thing?

No, "performing arts" is a broad category of live artistic expressions like theatre, music, and dance, while "performance art" is a specific avant-garde art form that often combines different media and emphasizes the artist's actions as the primary artistic statement.