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Politics News

Inaugural balls

/ 17 PHOTOS
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Night to celebrate

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama celebrate during the first inaugural ball of the evening, the Neighborhood Ball, held in Washington on Tuesday. They look rested here, but there were nine more balls to twirl through before the new First Couple could get any sleep.

Tim Sloan / AFP
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are serenaded by Beyonce in their first dance of the night at the Leadoff Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington

First dance of a new life

At each of the 10 balls, the first couple began by dancing to the Etta James' classic, "At Last." At the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, the song was sung by Beyonce Knowles.

Rick Wilking / X00301
Western Inaugural Ball

Capturing the night

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, center, watches the president and first lady dance at the Western Inaugural Ball.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images North America
Vice President Joe Biden dances with his wife Jill at the Commander In Chief Ball on inauguration night in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Center stage

Vice President Joe Biden dances with his wife Jill at the Commander-in-Chief ball, which honors the country's active duty and reserve military personnel. The ball was broadcast to service personnel around the world.

Gerald Herbert / AP
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio speaks during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington

Leo came from London

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio speaks during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. The actor had dashed to D.C. from London, where on Monday he was attending the U.K. premiere for his latest movie, "Revolutionary Road."

Mike Segar / X90033
U.S. President Barack Obama dances as guests and first lady Michelle Obama (R) watch during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington

Get down, Mister President

After an initial slow dance with his wife, right, President Barack Obama loosens up and shows a little fancy footworkat the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. "You could tell that’s a black president from the way he was moving," comedian Jamie Foxx joked.

Jason Reed / X00458
will.i.am

Lighting up the night

Singer will.i.am of the Black-Eyes Peas performs at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington. He's written multiple songs supporting Obama.

Alex Brandon / AP
Attendees listen to U.S.  President Barack Obama speak at the leadoff Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington

Cameras flashing

The crowd tries to snap photos of President Barack Obama as he speaks at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. The president, who himself once worked as a neighborhood organizer, praised the first-ever event. "This campaign was organized neighborhood by neighborhood," he said. "This ball is the one which captures best, I think, the spirit of this campaign."

Rick Wilking / X00301
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama

Aloha!

The President and first lady flash smiles while dancing at the Obama Home States Ball, celebrating the new president's childhood in Hawaii and adulthood in Illinois. "Hello everybody. Aloha! What's going on?" said the new president.

Charlie Neibergall / AP
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Star power

The stars came out in droves to perform at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, including Stevie Wonder and Sting.

Stan Honda / AFP
Mary J. Blige performs at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.  (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Blaze of purple glory

Grammy-winning singer Mary J. Blige was among the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball performers.

Alex Brandon / AP
Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball

Vice President's dance

Vice-President Joe Biden dances with his wife Jill Biden at the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.

David Mcnew / Getty Images North America
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Changing partners

At the Commander in Chief's Ball, President Obama danced with Army Sgt. Margaret Herrera, while Michelle Obama took a spin with Marine Sgt. Eliidio Guillen. Herrera was so overcome by emotion that she wept while dancing with the new president.

Timothy A. Clary / AFP
Singer Levine of the Maroon 5 performs during Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington

Take five

Adam Levine, lead singer of the band Maroon 5, had the audience rocking during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

Mike Segar / X90033
Western Inaugural Ball

All danced out

Inaugural ball-goers rest on the steps of the Washington Convention Center at the end of a night that featured ten inaugural balls celebrating the swearing-in of President Barack Obama.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images North America
Mariah Carey

Stars come out

Mariah Carey sings her song "Hero" at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. She earlier said her song is "fitting for (Obama). It's appropriate."

Alex Brandon / AP
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The First Couple

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama dance during the Eastern Regional Inaugural Ball at Union Station early on Jan. 21. Michelle Obama's dress is by 26-year-old designer Jason Wu. The full-skirted white gown features a strap across her right shoulder, a ruched bodice, fluffy appliques and sparkly beading. After the evening's events, it will be donated to the Smithsonian, as is tradition for inaugural gowns.

Saul Loeb / AFP
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