Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Performance"

Form both hands into "A" handshapes, making fists with your thumbs pointing up and resting against the side of your index fingers. Hold your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing your body. Move your hands in alternating, backward circular motions. As one hand circles toward your chest and down, the other hand circles up and out. Repeat this alternating motion a couple of times to complete the sign.

Examples Using "Performance" in a Sentence

1

The school performance was amazing.

To sign this, start with the sign for 'SCHOOL', then use the alternating 'A' hands for 'PERFORMANCE'. Finish with the sign for 'AMAZING' while showing an excited, expressive face to convey your enthusiasm.

2

What time does the performance start?

Sign 'TIME', then 'PERFORMANCE', followed by 'START'. Because this is a 'wh-' question asking for specific information, remember to furrow your eyebrows and lean slightly forward at the end of the sentence.

3

I am nervous about my performance tonight.

Begin by signing 'TONIGHT', then point to yourself for 'I'. Sign 'PERFORMANCE', and conclude with the sign for 'NERVOUS', making sure your facial expression clearly shows worry or anxiety.

How to Sign "Performance"
Form both hands into "A" handshapes, making fists with your thumbs pointing up and resting against the side of your index fingers. Hold your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing your body. Move your hands in alternating, backward circular motions. As one hand circles toward your chest and down, the other hand circles up and out. Repeat this alternating motion a couple of times to complete the sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'performance' is deeply rooted in the visual representation of action and characters on a stage. The 'A' handshapes are often used in ASL to represent people or figures. The continuous, alternating circular motions of these hands toward the body symbolize the dynamic, ongoing flow of acting, drama, or a theatrical event unfolding and projecting emotion toward the audience.
Signing Tips
To make your sign look natural, keep the alternating circular motion smooth and continuous, much like pedaling a bicycle backward with your hands. Ensure your thumbs remain pointing up and prominent throughout the entire movement. Because 'performance' can refer to many different types of events, remember to let your facial expression reflect the mood of the specific show, whether it is a joyful comedy or a serious drama!
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is moving both hands in unison rather than alternating them. It is important that as one hand goes up, the other goes down. Another frequent error is using flat hands or loose fingers instead of maintaining a crisp 'A' handshape with the thumbs pointing up. Finally, be careful with the direction of the circles; they must roll backward toward your chest, not forward away from your body.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Performance" in a Sentence
1

The school performance was amazing.

To sign this, start with the sign for 'SCHOOL', then use the alternating 'A' hands for 'PERFORMANCE'. Finish with the sign for 'AMAZING' while showing an excited, expressive face to convey your enthusiasm.

2

What time does the performance start?

Sign 'TIME', then 'PERFORMANCE', followed by 'START'. Because this is a 'wh-' question asking for specific information, remember to furrow your eyebrows and lean slightly forward at the end of the sentence.

3

I am nervous about my performance tonight.

Begin by signing 'TONIGHT', then point to yourself for 'I'. Sign 'PERFORMANCE', and conclude with the sign for 'NERVOUS', making sure your facial expression clearly shows worry or anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'performance' the same as 'act' or 'theater'?

Yes! This exact same sign—using alternating 'A' hands in backward circles—is used for 'act,' 'actor,' 'drama,' 'theater,' and 'performance.' The specific meaning is usually made clear by the context of your sentence.

Do the hands move forward or backward?

The hands should move in backward circles. This means they come toward your chest, go down, move slightly forward, and come back up. Think of it like rolling a wheel backward toward yourself.

Does it matter which hand goes first?

No, it doesn't matter which hand starts the upward or downward motion, as long as they are alternating. Just focus on keeping the movement smooth, continuous, and comfortable for your hands.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!