What performance style uses gestures and body movements without words?

Pantomime is the performance style that primarily uses gestures and body movements to convey a story or emotion without utilizing spoken language. It relies heavily on visual storytelling, where performers express thoughts and narratives through exaggerated gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. This style of performance allows for a broad range of interpretations, as it encourages the audience to engage their imagination to understand the actions and emotions being portrayed.

While mime also focuses on non-verbal communication, it often includes specific techniques and a more structured performance framework, typically involving the portrayal of imaginary objects and scenarios. Physical theatre integrates a wide array of performance styles, emphasizing movement as a primary means of expression but may still incorporate spoken elements. Gesture theatre tends to emphasize the power of gestures and can include spoken language, making it distinct from the pure non-verbal nature of pantomime. Thus, pantomime stands out as the best fit for the description of a performance style that uses gestures and body movements without words.