What sometimes may happen is that people may inadvertantly copy the softer manifestations of technique that they see older instructors perform, and attempt to capture that same effortless quality without being fully aware of the underlying mechanics. Saotome sensei is deceptively soft in the appearance of his techniques, yet this is a man who also endured a good deal of the earlier training of O-sensei's dojo. Another excellent instructor is Mr. Sugawara, who spent many years training in harder styles, including Goju-ryu Karate. He has been recently researching the connection of Japanese arts to Chinese arts, and has emphasised a softer approach to Aikido. His technique is very efficient, and maintains excellent control of uke with what seems to be very little effort. In most of the martial arts that I have trained in, teachers do become far more subtle in application as they mature, but this is the product of consistent practice, including some rough play in their younger days. The "dancelike" techniques that an experienced teacher manifests can be said to be rather abstract, but good abstract art only comes from a background of serious training in technique and composition, and many, many hours of practice.
Krzysztof M. Mathews
http://www.firstgearterritories.com
Every place around the world it seemed the same
Can't hear the rhythm for the drums
Everybody wants to look the other way
When something wicked this way comes
"Jeremiah Blues, Part 1"
Sting-The Soul Cages