Drummers who don' t get this ability will never master rhythm. Remember that the dancers don't want just formal rehearsed classroom rhythms. For the benefit of all, occasionally there may be a space for a selected set of drummers to set up and demonstrate some special rhythm. Please be cooperative. Dancers very much enjoy the special rhythmic style of novice women drummers and complain that novice male drummers drown them out.
Senior drummers agree.
This applies to novices only. Classroom trained drummers tend to all play the same. Watch the skilled drummers. If you can't hear what they are doing, you should play more quietly. Use fewer notes.