Final answer:
Yoruba dance features polyrhythms and syncopations but does not focus on individuality as a characteristic, unlike gumboot dancing which emphasizes individual improvisations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of Yoruba dance of West Africa include the use of polyrhythms and syncopations, but do not necessarily include a focus on individuality as seen in other dance styles like gumboot dancing. Polyrhythms feature multiple rhythms occurring simultaneously, which can add tension and complexity to the dance. Syncopations involve beats played off the main beat of the music, further contributing to this complexity. In contrast, the Yoruba dance may focus more on group synchronicity and shared movement patterns rather than highlighting individual dancers.