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Obama, Barack

Inaugural Balls: A Night of Music, Dancing, and Politics

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama led a marathon of dance parties and social gatherings on the eve of the president's inauguration, attending all 10 official balls and meeting with thousands of supporters across Washington, D.C.

The Obamas' evening began at the Neighborhood Ball, where they were joined by Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, in a night of music, dancing, and speeches. The crowd, which included tens of thousands of Democratic Party faithful, was entertained by performances from Beyoncé, Bon Jovi, and Wyclef Jean, among others. The Obamas' daughters, Malia and Sasha, were not in attendance, having stayed home to avoid the crowds and the cold.

Despite the chilly Washington evening, the atmosphere at the various balls was festive and lively, with guests mingling and dancing to the music. The cost of attending the inaugural balls, however, had risen significantly since the Reagan era, with tickets costing $150 per person. According to Carolyn Grisko, a self-proclaimed authority on political soirees, the events were reminiscent of the "black-tie opening of an auto show."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Obamas attended all 10 official inauguration balls, starting at 8:30 pm on a frigid Washington evening.
  • The balls were held at various locations across the city, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the National Building Museum, and Union Station.
  • The Obamas' daughters, Malia and Sasha, did not attend the balls, but their mother, Michelle, said they would not return to school until Thursday.
  • The cost of attending the inaugural balls had risen to $150 per person, up from $100 in 1981.
  • The crowds at the balls were estimated to be tens of thousands, with guests from across the country coming to see the Obamas perform and dance.
  • Performers at the balls included Beyoncé, Bon Jovi, Wyclef Jean, and Mariah Carey, among others.
  • The evening's festivities were marked by a sense of unity and celebration, with guests from across the country coming together to celebrate the inauguration of the new president.

Statistics:

  • The Obamas attended all 10 official inauguration balls.
  • The balls were held at various locations across the city, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the National Building Museum, and Union Station.
  • The crowd size at the Neighborhood Ball was estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
  • The cost of attending the inaugural balls had risen to $150 per person.
  • The number of attendees at the Youth Ball, attended by young volunteers to the Obama campaign, was estimated to be in the thousands.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Obama and First Lady Dance the Night Away at Inaugural Balls" by Jodi Wilgoren, January 20, 2009.
  • The New York Times, "Inaugural Balls: A Night of Music, Dancing, and Politics" by Jodi Wilgoren, January 20, 2009.
  • ABC News, "First Lady Michelle Obama on Inauguration Day" by Kate Snow, January 20, 2009.

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