There are many benefits to dancing: staying shape while not having to go the gym (ha-ehm, couldn’t be me…), meeting new people, spending quality time with a significant other, etc.  The other day I thought about another benefit of dancing, be it ballroom or otherwise.  Dancing is a way to tame one’s nervousness or anxiety of public speaking or performing.  One learns to use the nervousness to give them energy to go through with the performance.  One will also channel the energy toward engaging the audience.  And yes, I’ve seen it done, so I’m not just talking…  There were several couples and singles who started off awkwardly and pretty much hated performing.  But you should see them now: they are smiling, performing and even winning dance competitions.  It’s great!