In order to understand the principles of leader and follower, beginners practically move each other around the dance floor. With time our sensitivity increases, and this becomes unnecessary – we learn to interact with each other using our energy.
We can develop this interaction for various purposes: dialogue dancing, where energy exchange takes the form of non-verbal communication between the partners; or unity, where each partner perceives himself as part of something much bigger, where borders are blurred, and no one is leading or following – you're both dancing as one. But if you don't develop your sensitivity, then your dance will be limited by a role, and your interaction will remain at the level of pushing and pulling.