performing arts

American  

plural noun

1. arts or skills that require public performance, as acting, singing, or dancing.

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performing arts British  

plural noun

1. the arts that are primarily performed before an audience, such as dance and drama

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Etymology

Origin of performing arts

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

One in Wellington, the equestrian community west of Palm Beach, is expected to include a 440,000-square-foot campus with a performing arts program and aquatic center.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Separate theater and music departments became performing arts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Maria Superata, a geisha expert who has worked with them as an interpreter, explained that the show "combines all of the traditional performing arts that you can see in Japan".

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Bravo, a TV channel that used to focus on the performing arts, is now an unscripted powerhouse that even has its own convention, BravoCon, where its various universes come together in service of fans.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

I can so clearly see you demanding something from the performing arts that just isn’t residual there.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger