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

See Examples For:

performing arts

“It’s like an existential crisis,” says Jed Bernstein, who runs Theatre Aspen, a performing arts nonprofit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026

A return to industrial musicals in the age of A.I. didn’t strike me as a solution for all the woes afflicting the performing arts, from pricey tickets to the increasingly blatant corporatization of the arts.

From Slate ● Oct. 1, 2026

She taught English at the Brit School for the performing arts in south London, where Adele and Amy Winehouse studied.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

According to documents obtained by the paper, the center's board of trustees is expected to vote Tuesday on whether to close the main building of Washington's performing arts center, due to financial and safety needs.

From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 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