If it weren't for Dancing With the Stars, chances are the general public wouldn't know much about the cha-cha or the fox trot. But thanks to the popularity of the ballroom dancing competition show, dance studios across the country are getting a boost in traffic as eager fans can't wait to jump on the ballroom bandwagon. As this L.A. Times article points out, the ballroom dancing revival has begun. Not only do fans flock to studios to learn the intricate dances, but they're also attracted to the social and fitness factors. For example, the website CaloriesPerHour.com approximates a salsa can burn 255 calories for a 150-pound person. Studies have also reported similar findings, saying that ballroom dancing on the elite level is an intense workout. As for the social side of dancing, the article notes that being accountable to a dance partner is great motivator for attending class on a regular basis. If dancing is part of your business, this is a hot trend that should make your company jive.

Networking leader Cisco recently announced the launch of a competition geared towards entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. Dubbed the "Cisco I-Prize," the company says the goal of the contest is to bring global teams together to develop technology business ideas and take them to market. The winning team could have the chance to join Cisco as founders of an emerging technology business unit. In addition, Cisco says it may also invest up to $10 million over three years to fund the new unit, depending on the value of the idea. "The emergence of collaboration technologies and the growth of the network are driving a rapid evolution in the way we work. Cisco believes we can open up new idea pipelines by closing those geographical gaps and at the same time infuse new ideas into Cisco's culture of innovation," said Marthin DeBeer, senior vice president, Cisco's Emerging Technologies Group.

Judging will be based on the technology innovation and the business opportunity behind the idea. Click here for more competition information, or, to follow along with the contest, check out the I-Prize blog.

As we mentioned in October, the National Retail Federation expects a 3.7-percent increase in sales this holiday season compared to last year. However, a Deloitte survey cited by The Detroit News says that four out of 10 U.S. shoppers plan to spend less this holiday season. The respondents of the survey attributed their spending decrease to higher food and fuel costs, in addition to falling home values. This marks the highest reduction in spending over the holiday months in at least seven years. About 52 percent of those surveyed say they plan on spending the same amount as last year, while 7 percent plan to spend even more. The survey also pointed out that shoppers will spend about the same amount on gifts, but will spend less on themselves and their home. Overall, Deloitte predicts U.S. retail sales will gain about 5 percent over the three months through January as compared with last year.

In addition to concerns over the high cost of milk and gasoline, consumers also voiced concern over the safety of imported products since the recent recalls of lead-tainted toys. In an attempt to lure hesitant consumers, retailers are expected to ramp up promotions even before Black Friday. "This is going to be a very promotional holiday season where the retailers are going to be fighting for that consumer dollar," said Steven Baumgarten, an analyst at PNC Wealth Management.