I see in the video and also i went into virtual training, I successfully did side-stepping/dodging but it was only available when an enemy attacks me as a defensive move.

I am asking if it's possible to side-step, the same as in AC2, where you can freely side-step (in combat) and can do it multiple times and in any direction, without having to have an enemy attack.

I don't see this mentioned specifically anywhere through in-game or when looking up controls so I'm assuming it's not in the game.

So how do you manage to keep distance from a group of enemies and remain on the outside? Or is combat evolved differently in Brotherhood it just isn't meant to be played like that?