I was home one Monday night, and while flipping through the channels for something to watch (Nick at Nite wasn't on yet), I saw that "Dancing With the Stars" was on. Although I haven't actually been invested in that show in years, I did take a few moments to watch. I had a newfound appreciation for what these contestants were doing, because I took a ballroom dancing class last semester.

Ballroom dancing as a class? You heard right! IU offers a one credit ballroom dancing class every semester, and I highly encourage anyone who has the room in their schedule to take it. Here are a few reasons why:

1. It's a stress-free way to get credits.

For the most part, all you have to do is show up and dance! It's one of those classes where you really don't have to worry much or invest a lot outside of class. Everyone deserves to have a class like that in their schedule every now and then, am I right?

2. These are skills you may very well use later in life.

Have a wedding to go to? Bar/bat mitzvah? You'll wow everyone in attendance with your newly-learned snazzy, sophisticated dance moves. You could even practice some of your dances with friends at parties here, if you desire! Your other friends will certainly be impressed.

3. It takes you out of your comfort zone.

Dancing with a guy/girl in this way can seem a little nerve-wracking at first, especially if you're someone who is already a little nervous around the opposite gender. Dancing around other people in general might be nerve-wracking for you. But as you go through the semester, you'll become much more comfortable with everything and everyone. Taking a class like this can help break down some of those walls and build up that confidence!

4. It's FUN!

From the high-energy cha cha to the elegant waltz, you'll really have a blast learning all these different dances. One of the highlights of the class is the special evenings where everyone gets dressed up, meets at a local dance venue, and just dances for a few hours. (And it's participation points!) Like I said earlier, it's a great stress reliever. Plus, you never know who you might meet! ;)

You may not be ready for "Dancing With the Stars" by the end of the semester, but you will come away from ballroom dancing with some great new skills and hopefully some great memories too. I don't know anyone who took the class that didn't love it.

See you in the 200-level class in the spring! (Yep, there's a 200-level class, and you'll probably want to take it too!)