If hes a good leader you dont need to have rythem. A good leader gives confidence and a good Caller helps keep the rythm and tells you what steps you are doing.
I never did Square Dance except in High school. But I did learn basic ball room dancing at a place in Del Mar Called Little bavaria. I was dating a guy who didnt drink but loved to dance. I learned the Oompa style of polka Shoddish as well as the onestep, Two step, and Fox trot, He was a VERY good leader didnt fuss when I needed his balance on occasion.
Then Comes Country and Western. Best teacher I ever had was a Air Craft Controller on the Nimitz... Pilsbury Dough kind of guy. But OH was he in demand for dancing. Not much of a talker but Waltzing was awesome... Two step, Buss stop, Which was kind of complicated and he would quickly correct me.
The other best leader was a fellow in his nineties... Balance like a rock Good sense of humor and Always had women in line to get to dance with him.
deb