Performing arts is a form of art in which the artist uses his own body as the medium. There are several forms of performing art such as theatre, dance, music, magic, opera, and circus acts.
Performing art shows often include more than one person. These people are referred to as the performers. This form of art is usually showcased to the audience from a stage. Costumes and make-up are important aspects of the art form. They help alter the appearances of the performers to suit the role they are portraying.
Theatre and dance are the most popular categories of performing arts. Theatre entails the performers acting out a story for the audience. Various forms of expression like body movements, dance and music can be combined to convey messages. Theater is a highly evolved form of performing art.
Various forms of theater include ballet, opera, mime, musicals and stand-up comedy. Dance refers to the movement of body parts in an organized or coordinated fashion. It is usually performed in social or spiritual contexts.
Performing arts flourished both in the Western as well as the Eastern parts of the world. In the Western world, performing art was initiated by Greek poets and playwrights in the 6th century BC. During the dark ages performances were solely for religious reasons, if they took place at all.
Post 14th century, the art was reinitiated. In the Eastern parts of the world the art originated at different times in different regions. Evidence suggests that the art existed in India from the 2nd millennium BC, China from 1500 BC and in Thailand and some other south east Asian countries right from the Middle Ages. | 
