The reason for the mis interpretation, in the Intern. style-- is the directional commencement.

The " call and response " theory of the musical composition, , requires the Man to " challenge " the Lady to "Follow" him-- NOT her ,-- ergo == a backwards start, would be the correct beginning ( the way that that the chains teach CHa- Mambo -- Bolero )

The first bar, sets the " tone " of the dance .
As to clave rhythm-- it will, and does reverse its self, going to " Son " clave , which many do not even realise .
A point of note- ,many Dominicans when dancing Merengue and or Bachata , DO commence right on 1 and proceed to dance left on 2-- PR, also, many times, commence side right in Salsa, --1-- tapping on 2nd beat and breaking fwd on 3.
The anomalies continue !!!!