Inaugural Balls

The President And First Lady — AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama dance together at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Jan. 20, 2009. It was the first of 10 official inaugural balls the new First Couple visited.

Formal

The president wore white tie, while Michelle wore a white, one-shouldered, floor-length gown by 26-year-old New York designer Jason Wu, embellished from top to bottom with white floral details. "First of all, how good looking is my wife?" Mr. Obama asked the crowd of celebrities and supporters alike.

Shall We Dance?

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama begin their first dance together at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. At rear is singer Beyonce.

First Dance

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have their first dance of the evening at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Slow Dance

President Barack Obama kisses First Lady Michelle Obama as they dance to the Etta James classic "At Last," performed by Beyonce, during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

Neighborhood Ball

Mary J. Blige performs at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Songs For A New President

Singers will.i.am (left) and Mariah Carey perform at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Dance Floor

President Barack Obama dances with an invited guest on stage as First Lady Michelle Obama looks on, at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Home States

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance together at the Obama Home States Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Fans

The crowd cheers and takes photos at the Obama Home States Inaugural Ball in Washington, Jan. 20, 2009.

Mr. President

President Barack Obama waves from the stage at the Obama Home States Inaugural Ball, to which guests from Illinois and Hawaii were invited.

Hail To The Chief

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance at the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball, at the National Building Museum in Washington, Jan. 20, 2009.

Veep

Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, wore a bright red strapless gown by Reem Acra. After speaking to those attending the Commander in Chief Ball, Biden joked about his apprehension over dancing and did a quick sign of the cross before taking the floor.

The Vice President And Mrs. Biden

Vice President Joe Biden dances with his wife Jill at the Commander In Chief Ball on Inauguration Night in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Music Sweet Music

Among the other artists performing this evening were Alicia Keys at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, Wyclef Jean at the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball, and Kid Rock at the Youth Inaugural Ball.

The Start Of Something Big

As the parties continued, Mr. Obama said, "Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, the work begins. ... Together, I am confident we will write the next great chapter in America's story."