Ideas worth spreading

Performance

A collection of TED Talks (and more) on the topic of Performance.

Video playlists about Performance

Why art is essential to democracy

Art invites viewers into perspectives and ways of life different from their own -- and with that, helps foster a sense of empathy required for democracy. Learn about the creative avenues art takes in giving power to the people.

How art shapes conversation

Powerful art makes people talk. These TED Talks bring context and nuanced perspectives to subjects surrounding history, race, socioeconomics and more.

The magic of the human voice

From beat-boxing battles to a digital choir of 2000 people, these talks celebrate the beauty and versatility of the human voice.

Talks for aspiring rockstars

Get ready to rock out with these awesome performances that have lit up the TED stage.

See all playlists on Performance

Talks about Performance

"Bright Future Ahead"

The ecstasy of Eskista, an ancient Ethiopian dance

"Mana" / "Salt Water"

"Nice and Quiet" / "One Of These Days"

"Go(l)d" / "Black Truck"

"Kilamu" / "Ama Aje" / "Jam Now, Simmer Down" / "Dracula"

I'm terrified of wanting to be a billionaire

"Spiritual Leader" / "Audacious" (ft. KAZU)

Ryan Heffington

How dance can unleash your inner joy

What if you could sing in your favorite musician's voice?

"Crush" / "Power Power"

"The Woman in the Arena"

"Once There Was III" -- a mesmerizing blend of dance, animation and tech

"Giving Space"

An interdimensional performance of imagination

The rhythm and rhyme of memory, solitude and community

See all talks on Performance

Exclusive articles about Performance

A brief history of tap dance (and why it’s still a great art form)

Here’s how the dancer, teacher and dance historian Andrew Nemr is trying to make tap dance relevant again.

Posted Nov 2015

Each of us bears the imprint of a friend met along the way

How a performance by Rives conjured a much-loved poem for Helen Walters, and helped her develop a new appreciation for the art of poetry. Maybe.

Posted May 2014