More power steering with predictive, responsive, and even inspirational, AI. Maybe even a Don't go there. 'Presence' can be interpreted in many ways - but not a dead weight.
Some 'styles' I avoid. Some styles can be restrictive, but one can adapt with technique. Technique always matters (usually mine, to lead that 'style').
Does she just decide to do an ocho or volcada whenever she wants?
I'd maybe qualify that by saying "for a given level of skill or ability" style is more important. The skill or ability needn't always be the same but style or philosophy are important.
Ouch, no. They can be the worst types of followers to lead.
Ochos can go wrong! Like a classic ocho cortado doesn't get 'cut' (other mishaps occur!). But it was a 'proposal'. Or maybe a 'reverse ocho' (not a back ocho!) doesn't get recognised (you can't do that!), or an over-rotated ocho isn't over-rotated sufficiently for, say, walking sacadas.
Sure. But don't pretend the follow can do whatever she wants She restrcited to responding. That's a big restriction. And she has to catch what the lead is "suggesting".
Depends. Both figures are led. In tango, the couple is closed at chest height, and the hip level can be moved in isolation. Isolated from the upper body level (dissociation) and also independently of the partner due to the distance.
The figure is lead implies she does it when it is lead. Nor that she "just takes her own steps". I get she moves herself-- but it's within a constraint of what is lead.
"the follower has no choice" implies she... uhmmm has not choice.
"the follower has no choice" implies no choice.
"I grant freedom" implies you as a lead have the option to grant freedom or not. Which means you might not 'grant' it. And the follower doesn't just have it.
I deal with lead/follow in a practical way. And I think it's silly for leads to not recognize that following has some constraints. Specifically, these are the constraints you leads are explaining exist while simultaneously denying they exist.
I haven't heard anyone "pretend the follow can do whatever she wants." My point is that the leader doesn't need to lead every step. For example, I can lead an anti-clockwise giro – that is, I intend to pivot 360 degrees to the left. With a complete beginner, I might well lead every step. But I won't with anyone else, so the follower could respond with:
'Leading' (for want of a better, acceptable, word) also has constraints. It's a conversation within boundaries (music, floor, steps, ability, technique...), not a single-sided diktat. Although I do sometimes feel that an 'appeal', that shows like DWTS/Strictly portray, is that the follower (usually female) allows the lead (usually male) to dictate whatever they want, i.e. the 'follow' is just the instrument to be 'played'.
"Constrained" does not mean "forced." Lead, by definition, always is clear; there's no room for interpretation. But the follower doesn't have to follow, because leading doesn't work by pushing, tugging, shoving, or physical inpact. It's only a language called projection (commencement). I only signal direction, distance, and timing two seconds in advance. The follower either executes or leaves it. Leading isn't physical. This is my philosophy, most tango dancers may differ.