"Dancing With The Stars" is one of my absolute favorite television shows. I could spend hours watching and re-watching the dances, the rehearsal packages, and interviews with the dancers and the stars. I love rooting for the underdog, I love being impressed by the talent and hard work of the pros, and the dedication the stars put into the show. I love the personalities of the judges and the hosts. I love the passion put into some of the dances, and seeing the improvements of others who are less naturally inclined to dance. The whole production is amazing to me.

Can you imagine being put into that kind of situation? Being taken away from your every-day work and placed into a crazy whirlwind of physical activity, theatrical production, and the public spotlight. I guess it's nice that at least the participants of the show are "stars," so they are used to being watched and followed more than an "average" person. Imagine having to learn and perfect to the best of your ability a routine for a different style of dance every week, while also working around your work schedule. I mean, that's crazy. I'm always amazed when I learn one of the stars doing the show is also working their normal job as they would otherwise. For example, a lot of the athletes that do the show still have to train for their sport and do shows and interviews and interviews during their time on the show. Actors and actresses may be in the middle of shooting. Musicians might be on tour and have to fly back and forth in order to make it to rehearsals, wherever they may be. This goes for the pros as well. I cannot imagine being that busy.

I think that's part of the reason I like the show so much, though. I get to see these people thrown into crazy circumstances and watch them thrive. It gives me some perspective. If I make a mistake on my homework, who cares? At least the only people who are going to know are the professor and myself. If you're on "Dancing With The Stars" and you make a mistake on your "homework" (the dance in this case,) so many people are going to see! But the grace with which the stars accept their critiques and stay calm in front of the cameras gives me the confidence to not be afraid to make mistakes and to take criticism constructively instead of personally.

As an avid "Dancing With The Stars" fan, I am very excited to continue watching season 23 progress, and I urge you to watch too! It's so good, and the stars on the show are very talented. Maybe you won't find it as inspiring as I do, but it's still pretty entertaining.