That's true in that a step is not taken. However, on the 1 beat, the heel is lifted and the same hip drops, as the same foot is released in preparation for making the upcoming break step on the first quick. An observer should be able to clearly discern your slow steps and your quick steps. Avoid heel leads. All steps should be taken onto the ball of the foot.
Weight transfer goes first to the ball of the foot.
Any break steps taken backwards should not allow significant weight transfer to the heel. As a knee is bent, the same hip drops. Take steps onto a bent knee and begin weight transfer before the knee straightens. Rather than feeling like you are dancing lightly on top of the floor, you should feel like you are dancing into and pushing out of the floor. Before beginning any Latin dance, think about lowering yourself slightly, perhaps as if a glass ceiling is overhead.