Performing Arts - Acrobatics, Acting, Busking, Dancing, Juggling, Opera, Theatre

Performing arts is a term that covers a variety of skills. These may overlap at times, or the definitions may be indistinct. Art is a living, evolving thing which is constantly open to new interpretations. Artists are forever pushing the boundaries and so there are fluctuations in the growth and popularity of these art forms. Whether you already have a skill in one or more of these areas, or are looking to find out more and be inspired to begin, we are here to lead you into the spectacular world of performing arts.

Let’s take a look at some of the performing arts. Each one in itself is a vast subject to be explored, so this will be a brief introduction.

They include: music, dance, opera, theatre, film, acrobatics, busking, marching, comedy, magic, juggling, hula hooping! Yes, we know there are more, but that’s enough to start with. We’ll be expecting you to inform us along the way.

One thing they all have in common: they need time and energy. If you love it, you’ll find a way. The hobby (or should we say passions) of any of these performing arts can become your life’s work, and indeed in many cases do provide income and fame. But mostly, you do it because you love it, because you have to.

Music is a vast topic which we could spend a lifetime exploring. It consists of organised audible sounds and silences expressed in terms of pitch, timbre, harmony and rhythm to form patterns. Its can be used ceremonially, to enhance rituals, purely for entertainment, or pursued to the highest aesthetic level. It is both a discipline and a means of communicating our inner selves.

Dance is another subject which has many components. It is the use of movement to entertain, instruct, communicate, or convey. It takes many forms all over the world, and is ever-changing.

Opera is form of theatre which also includes music and singing. It uses the basic components of theatre such as costumes, stage props and scenery and acting, but the addition of singing and musicians distinguishes it as a separate art form. Sometimes a whole orchestra is present. It is an extravagant and spectacular artistic expression which grew up in Italy.

Theatre can comprise many different elements of the performing arts. It uses dialogue, actions, music and dance to tell a story. It seeks to create scenes which transport the audience to another place and identify with the characters. Theatre has myriad different forms worldwide, sometimes being used in religious ceremonies. Some theatre traditions are very old and inform us of bygone times. Nearly everyone has some form of theatre in their lives, even if it just their part in the school play.

Film is a term that covers the art of recording events, people, places, in fact anything of interest and formatting the footage so that an audience can share the vision of the film maker. This art form has been revolutionised by the advances in digital technology. It is now a field in which anyone can try their hand with the minimum of investment. It can be used to document personal events or create a fictional story for entertainment.

Acrobatics is a branch of the performing arts which also overlaps with other activities such as sport, dance, or diving. It consists of brief, limited actions which require balance, flexibility, and agility. Some of the achievements of the accomplished acrobat seem to be scarcely humanly possible. Acrobatics can be used aesthetically or for entertainment, and can be incorporated into other art forms.

Busking or street performing is a performing art exhibited in a public place. The performer is seeking to convey their art to a new and ever-changing audience and also often to solicit money. Musicians are most commonly seen, but nowadays there are performers of a diverse range of arts performing on the street. It is a great way for the artist to really get in touch with the audience.

The marching arts are comprised mostly of marching bands and drum corps. These are the groups often seen at ceremonial occasions or big celebrations, using rhythmic steps and instruments to create arresting spectacle. This is a great performing art to make you feel part of a team and add colour to your life.

Comedy is a branch of the performing arts which can refer to theatre, in which the piece performed is of a light-hearted nature and amuses the audience. But it can also refer to the art of stand up comedy where a performer regales the audience with a short, pithy monologue sometimes covering several subjects. The aim is always to provoke laughter, even though some of the topics may be controversial. This can also be a therapeutic experience for the performer.

The art of magic is an ancient and mysterious one where the performer pushes the boundaries of the audience’s belief with a series of tricks and illusions. It can be amusing and light-hearted enough for children’s parties or it can seem to rely on elements of the supernatural. The magician uses sleight of hand, illusion and certain props to create the performance. It is a source of wonder to adults and children alike.

Juggling is a performance art using skilfully manipulated objects and dexterity. It always requires copious practice but once achieved, the performer appears to elude the laws of nature. These arts use various props and can include other performance skills to create the show. Such things as devil sticks, the Diablo, fire twirling, juggling with balls or clubs, or indeed any other item. This is a quickly evolving art form which is fun and highly addictive.

Hula hooping has been around for some time but has recently enjoyed a new interest and developed spectacularly. It involves using hula hoops on various parts of the body in varying numbers and creating a show using rhythm and skill, sometimes inviting audience participation. It too is often combined with other performing arts to make an inspiring and vivid show. It can often be seen performed in public places or festivals and is one of those things that everyone has to try, with amusing results. It, too, can be addictive, and is suitable for all ages.

So you see that this is a huge area in our hobby and pastimes website. We’re sure there are lots more you want to see and lots we haven’t touched on yet. We look forward to hearing from you with feedback, more information and questions about this hobby. This is as much your space to get heard as ours, we are just setting the ball rolling!

If you are a performing artist, or wish you were, stay with us for more on this constantly evolving, always stimulating passion.