Final answer:
The sentence 'The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky' uses Personification by giving human characteristics to inanimate objects, which in this case are the stars.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poetic element used in the sentence 'The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky' is Personification. This is because inanimate objects, the stars, are given a human characteristic, which is the ability to dance. This element of figurative language brings creative expression to the text by allowing readers to imagine the stars moving in a way similar to humans exhibiting playful behavior. Additionally, personification can serve to evoke emotions and paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind, enhancing their connection to the content of the poem.