A followers relationship to the music -- rhythm vs smooth

[pygmalion]

Speaking of rhythm, here's another question:

Is the follower's responsibility different between rhythm/latin dances and smooth/standard dances?

I find that in smooth dancing, maybe because of body contact, I must strictly follow the leader, regardless of what he's doing. In rhythm dancing, I have more freedom to feel the music. Following is still important, but the music takes a greater role. Thoughts, anyone?

[d nice]

I think you are right about the connection between the partners dictating a lot of what is possible for the follower in rhythm and smooth. The closed position of smooth restricts the amount of body movement and independant footwork variations (for those dances which allow for it). A significant degree of "musicality" in a smooth dance is based on posture/carriage, and the emoting that comes from it.

The rhythm dances and their open position (or their ability to transition from closed to open frequently) offer greater variety.

I hesitate to say that one is truly more expressive than the other, since the character of the dances are so very different, it really is a case of apples and oranges in my mind.

[pygmalion]

Personally, since I am a very independent woman, I prefer the rhythm dances. That's where I can best express myself.

But, just because I'm a perfectionist, I'll do the smooth as well, freedom or no freedom. Just for the heck of it. :)