When doing partner dancing on a social dance floor it's important to see where the people who are dancing next to you are so that you don't bump into them.
I have taken mostly group classes and not private classes. When it comes to group classes it's usually important as a leader to watch what the teacher is doing to understand the details of the movement.
When it comes to perceiving what your partner is doing, touch is primary.
Any thoughts on how this applies to learning to lead in partner dance?