Final answer:
War dances are characterized by displays of strength and prowess, reflecting various cultural functions and often facilitating audience participation through synchronized movements and formations.
Step-by-step explanation:
War dances are characterized by displays of group or individual strength and prowess. These dances often serve various functions such as ceremonial, social, competitive, martial, or sacred. They are a performing art form that involves sequences of human movement with aesthetic and symbolic value, recognized within a particular culture. War dances may include synchronized performance movements or formations like circles, which facilitate audience participation. The dances can be highly competitive, leading to constant innovation and evolution of styles. Examples include dances by the kings of Dahomey, who would demonstrate might and valor through displays accompanied by drums and singing soldiers, or the geerewol and yaake dances where Wodaabe young men compete for recognition.