Since the casting time of Danse Macabre is more favourable to a higher level Necromancer, it would be more efficient to raise undead with Dance Macabre and then maintain them with Animate Dead. Is this rules-legal?
Danse Macabre is a 5th-level spell with casting time of 1 action; raises undead (Up to 5 Zombies or Skeletons).
Animate Dead is a 3rd-level spell with casting time of 1 minute; maintains raised undead (Raise 1 Zombie or Skeleton, or maintain up to 4 Zombies or Skeletons for 24 hours).