What is performing arts? It’s much more than just entertainment.It’s a powerful type of human expression that has been a part of life for thousands of years. It varies from culture to culture, and era to era, but one thing that remains the same is the way the arts connect people.From theatre and dance to music and spoken word, performing arts enriches our lives. It can challenge stereotypes and perspectives, bringing stories to life and making us feel emotions that words alone might not be able to express.For students aspiring to join a performing arts school, the arts is an exciting industry filled with variety, fulfilment and creative opportunity.In this article, we will explore the history of the performing arts and what it means today.What is Performing Arts?Performing arts refers to any art form that involves performing in front of an audience. In contrast to visual arts, which use static mediums like painting, performing arts involve movement, sound and storytelling. This comes in many forms, including:Theatre: Like acting, playwriting and stage performance Dance: Including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and commercial Music: Both vocal and instrumental Musical theatre: A blend of dance, singing and acting Physical theatre: Including mime and movement-based performance Spoken word/poetry: The art of performing prose with rhythmThe History of Performing ArtsThe origins of performing arts date back thousands of years. The first evidence of humans using performance comes from prehistoric cave paintings, which show scenes of dancing and storytelling.Early civilisations like the Greeks and Egyptians were also huge fans of performance, using music and dance as a way to express religion and as a means of entertainment.It was Greek theatre that set the stage for performance as we know it today. This type of theatre originated in Athens in the 6th century. It was performed open air, in establishments like the Colosseum, with actors wearing masks to depict their character. The Greeks developed comedies, tragedies and satirical plays.Performing Arts TodayFlash forward 1500 years, and the performing arts still play a huge role in modern society. From Shakespearean theatre to modern dance, we use the arts to reflect the realities of life. The significance and meaning of the arts is rich and deep.Satirical commentary: The arts challenge norms, spark dialogue and inspire change. They can tackle themes of identity, race and politics. Preserving culture: Traditional dance, music and theatre help preserve our cultural heritage, so it can be passed down from generation to generation.Attending a Performing Arts SchoolIf you’d like to be a part of this exciting industry, a performing arts school is the best stepping-stone. Whether you want to be a performer, director, musician or educator, professional training will give you the skills you need to succeed.At Italia Conti, we’re proud to train the next generation of performers. We have an outstanding and internationally-recognised reputation of providing some of the best training in the industry. Find out more about Italia Conti’s courses here.