Performing Arts

Performing arts comprise dance, music, theatre, opera, mime, and other art forms in which a human performance is the principle product. Performing arts are distinguished by this performance element, in contrast with disciplines such as visual and literary arts where the product is an object that does not require a performance to be observed and experienced. Each discipline in the performing arts is temporal in nature, meaning the product is performed over a period of time. Products are broadly categorized as being either repeatable (for example, by script or score) or improvised for each performance. Artists who participate in these arts in front of an audience are called performers, including actors, magicians, comedians, dancers, musicians, and singers. Performing arts are also supported by the services of other artists or essential workers, such as songwriting and stagecraft. Performers often adapt their appearance, with costumes and stage makeup, etc.

Performance art is a specialized form of fine art in which the artists perform their work live to an audience.

An art form whose medium is sound. Common elements of music are pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture. The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of music vary according to culture and social context. Music ranges from strictly organized compositions (and their reproduction in performance), through improvisational music to aleatoric forms. Music can be divided into genres and subgenres, although the dividing lines and relationships between music genres are often subtle, sometimes open to individual interpretation, and occasionally controversial. Within “the arts”, music may be classified as a performing art, a fine art, and auditory art. The Society puts on youth showcases to encourage their talents throughout the country with chapters sponsoring performance in front of live audiences.

(from Old French dancer [verb], dance [noun], of unknown origin)[4] generally refers to human movement either used as a form of expression or presented in a social, spiritual or performance setting. Dance was often referred to as a “plastic art” during the modern dance era

Dance is also used to describe methods of non-verbal communication (see body language) between humans or animals (bee dance, mating dance), motion in inanimate objects (the leaves danced in the wind), and certain musical forms or genres.

Choreography is the art of making dances, and the person who does this is called a choreographer. People danced to relieve stress.

Definitions of what constitutes dance are dependent on social, cultural, aesthetic, artistic and moral constraints and range from functional movement (such as Folk dance) to codified, virtuoso techniques such as ballet. In sports, gymnastics, figure skating and synchronized swimming are dance disciplines while Martial arts ‘kata’ are often compared to dances.

Theatre or theater (from Greek theatron – θέατρον – from theasthai, “behold”) is the branch of the performing arts concerned with acting out stories in front of an audience using combinations of speech, gesture, music, dance, sound and spectacle – indeed any one or more elements of the other performing arts. In addition to the standard narrative dialogue style, theatre takes such forms as opera, ballet, mime, kabuki, classical Indian dance, Chinese opera and mummers’ plays.

Events

2024 Showcase Luncheon

The Society, Incorporated is a national nonprofit organization of professional women who support the artistic development of young people and encourage their overall participation in the Arts. The theme: “Youth in Action – Arts in Motion” drives the efforts of the Richmond Chapter, chartered in 1994. 

The Chapter’s signature program is a biennial Showcase Luncheon. This is a phenomenal event that features diverse performances by young artists. Our Showcase Luncheon is a rewarding and beneficial affair attended by  guests who come to witness a variety of outstanding performances and show support for “Youth in Action – Arts in Motion.” 

The luncheon was hosted on May 4, 2024, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church. We extend heartfelt thanks to all attendees and supporters of this event. Your donations contribute to scholarships in support of the participants! 

Congratulations to our 2024 participants!