In ballroom dances (in addition to a good stable hold) one should not forget the interaction of technique and lead. E.g. going forward with the heel means "diving" under the partner a little bit, so the lady feels the impulse of man's supporting leg communicated by his whole body movement. Vice versa the man can LEAD the lady stepping forward with heel (or ball as required). In other situations it is sometimes important NOT to transfer man's movement 1:1 to the lady, e.g. at heel turns, lock steps, crosses and some promenade figures.
In latin dances there are of course other mechanism of leading, more often use of the hands or even "leading" by looking at each other or challenging figures.