As the originator of this topic, I have enjoyed reading all of the responses. It sounds like most of you have had years of experience, however, I am only a beginner and very interested in learning the proper techniques, timing, etc, in order to make myself a better dancer.
There were many terms with which I am not yet familiar, such as "feather step". I dance American Smooth (not international) and have had (some) instruction from the Arthur Murray program, but currently am using the Fred Astaire preogram. I vaguely remember the feather step in my Arthur Murray instruction, while Freddie's program has not yet mentioned this term. All this to say that as a beginner, most of the responses, while I do appreciate them, are too difficult for me to understand. Some of the responses were so difficult, it would almost scare me away from dance :)
For whatever it is worth, from my personal view, the two responses best understood by ME were the first couple on July 9 from "anymouse" and "CliveHarrison". The others were just a little too deep (for me).
Perhaps some of you have been dancing so long that you have forgotten what it's like to be a beginner?? Simplicity and clarity are best for us beginners. However, I can see that most of you have enjoyed discussing this subject, and it was great reading your different views, even though I would have to really "study" some of the views before I could understand them.
Maybe in a short while, I will be good enough to join in on your forums and know a little more about steps, timing, etc. One of the best things I've done for myself so far is going on ballroom.com's message board and requesting help. I am sure I'll be back. Thank you all.