Jim below is the best explanation of decorations I have come across.
Lead Decoration:
Decorations I lead, either directly like a saludo or indirectly by giving time and space like some movements connected to the parada, stepping over the men's food, etc. I’ll take the responsibility not to hinder, hurt anybody, and she can execute her action any style she likes. If the need arises I’ll shorten the action, for example when we stop the dance flow.
Woman's Decoration.
Embellishments that happens, within the pattern of dance, I’m not hindered by them and sometimes I don’t feel them at all. I don’t slow or give space, the women makes them between our regular steps. They are usually small. Taps or crossing forward during ochos would be such examples. They are more or less just for her own musical interpretation. It’s a little hard to achieve as speed and balance are required. However, for the experienced follower they can turn a dance with a novice leader into an exciting challenge, even when he is doing the Basic for full three minutes.
As you can see it is not your responsability to give the space in this situation. It is a judgement call of the follower. She must decide for herself whether there is sufficient time to to do the decoration without affecting your lead.
On a more general note, IME If this is a beginners class I am surprised that decorations are being taught.
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