Which period is defined by the use of a dance suite as a musical form?

The period that is defined by the use of a dance suite as a musical form is the Baroque period. During this time, which spanned from approximately 1600 to 1750, composers began to create collections of dance movements that were intended to be performed together. A dance suite typically comprised a series of contrasting dances, each with its own unique character and tempo, often including forms such as the allemande, courante, sarabande, and gigue.

Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel were influential figures in this era, and their works often utilized the dance suite format. The structure of the suite allowed for both variety and unity, as it presented different dances that were related in key or thematic material. This practice was rooted in the social customs of the time, where dance played a significant role in entertainment and social gatherings.

Other musical periods, such as Romantic, Classical, and Contemporary, incorporated various forms and styles, but the dance suite is most distinctly associated with the Baroque era, making it a defining characteristic of that period's musical output.