Stage Presence

While dance is typically thought of as leisure recreation, there are professional
dance competitions that are judged according to skill, style, and performance. In these organized competitions, several styles of theatre dance can be performed. Some popular styles of competitive dance are hip-hop, tap, ballet, and jazz. Dance competitions are divided into four major categories, they are Competitive, Open, Dancesport, and Single-Style. Competitive dance allows more than one style of theatre dance. In an Open competition rivals can perform many different types of dance styles, Dancesport competition is specifically for Latin and ballroom dance competitions, and only one type of dance is allowed in a Single-style competition.

Dance is one of the major forms of performing arts. Other major forms include the theatre, circus, opera, drama, and music. Minor forms of performing arts are puppetry and magic. When an artist performs in front of a live audience this specialized type of fine art is known as performance art. Performance art is a form of direct communication with the audience, there is no written script in performance art. Circus acts, gymnastics, and variety shows are some common types of performance arts. Performance arts can be done by a large group, or by a single artist.

Students who are interested in the different forms of performing arts can find extensive details and information by visiting the Performance Arts Library of their university. Each library offers specialized learning, research, and teaching of dance, performance, music, art, and theatre. Focused and detailed studies show you how to locate and use resources for print and electronic media. Interested students have access to reference materials for art, music scores, and play scripts. The Performing Arts Library holds different types of media, as well as playback equipment and computer terminals. Digital resources to access the library’s art collection are also available.