These illustrate/amplify what I was trying to say, with my emphasis added. And someone asked why such strong feelings. Who knows, but something to do with treasuring an (ideally) egalitarian, equal opportunity, cooperative nature of the social dance form which everyone has equal agency (and responsibility) to make delightful for all. Chrissy Fowler from Andrea--- (A swing) is a mutually decided thing, and from the right side I can time the end, stop, or alter a flourish so it puts me in the right place, control the speed of the swing and help a new dancer swing better just with my body. There is no special leadership in the left role during a swing. And in a courtesy turn, while it is true you are doing two different things, the forward walker can get where she is going unassisted. The courtesy is in engaging with her with hand and eye, not in propelling her. The action is in the joined left hands, and that only works if both give equal resistance. I think even modern choreography does not require one gender role to lead. They may choose to, and to add embellishments, but it is not essential. I matter which gender role I dance, what I want from my partner is good connection and counterbalance. from Donna---