20130129

Inauguration Ball


'Nobody disputes the quality of the First Lady': President Obama pays loving tribute to wife Michelle as she appears in stunning red dress at the Inauguration Ball 

  • The President and First Lady attend two inauguration balls at the Washington Convention Center
  • First Lady chose another dress by designer Jason Wu - who made the gown for 2008 ball 
  • President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden sworn in at grand ceremony at the Capitol on Monday
  • In progressive speech, Obama vowed to fight climate change and secure equal rights for same-sex couples
  • Ceremony was attended by 700,000 supporters - a million fewer than at his first inauguration in 2009
By
Lydia Warren

PUBLISHED: 02:12 GMT, 22 January 2013 | UPDATED: 06:51 GMT, 22 January 2013

Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle kicked up their heels last night as they attended inauguration balls to celebrate his second term as President. 
The Obamas appeared on stage at the Washington Convention Center to wild cheering and thunderous applause from thousands of people. First Lady Michelle's choice of dress was finally revealed - a dramatic, red chiffon and velvet gown by Jason Wu. The designer had also created her dress for the 2008 ball. 
Obama paid tribute to his wife saying that although he was often criticized as President, 'nobody disputes the quality of the First Lady'. The couple then danced as Jennifer Hudson sang Al Green's Let's Stay Together. 

Let's stay together: President Obama and First Lady Michelle celebrate at his second inauguration ball at the Washington Convention Center on Monday night as Jennifer Hudson sang an Al Green classicLet's stay together: President Obama and First Lady Michelle celebrate at his second inauguration ball at the Washington Convention Center on Monday night as Jennifer Hudson sang an Al Green classic
Glamor: President Obama paid a glowing tribute to First Lady Michelle on Monday evening as she wowed in a striking red dress by designer Jason WuGlamor: President Obama paid a glowing tribute to First Lady Michelle on Monday evening as she wowed in a striking red dress by designer Jason Wu
First Lady in red: Michelle Obama stuck to what she knows and picked another dress by Jason Wu - a dramatic ruby-colored velvet and chiffon creation made especially for herFirst Lady in red: Michelle Obama stuck to what she knows and picked another dress by Jason Wu - a dramatic ruby-colored velvet and chiffon creation made especially for her
Enduring love: President Obama and wife Michelle danced closely at the first of two Inauguration Balls

Enduring love: President Obama and wife Michelle danced closely at the first of two Inauguration Balls
Enduring love: President Obama and wife Michelle danced closely at the first of two Inauguration Balls
May I have this dance? An elegant Michelle dances with Michelle as thousands cheered at the Washington convention centerMay I have this dance? An elegant Michelle dances with Michelle as thousands cheered at the Washington convention centerHonored: Barack and Michelle dance with service members during the ball to celebrate his second termHonored: Barack and Michelle dance with service members during the ball to celebrate his second term
Got the moves: The couple took a spin around the dance floor on the day Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United StatesGot the moves: The couple took a spin around the dance floor on the day Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United StatesHold me close: The Obamas slow dance to the Al Green classic as sung by Jennifer Hudson at the Inauguration Ball Hold me close: The Obamas slow dance to the Al Green classic as sung by Jennifer Hudson at the Inauguration Ball

Ravishing: Michelle Obama looked radiant in another gown by Jason Wu who also designed the dress she wore at the 2008 inauguration ball Ravishing: Michelle Obama looked radiant in another gown by Jason Wu who also designed the dress she wore at the 2008 inauguration ball
Beaming: President Obama looked incredibly proud as he danced with wife Michelle to celebrate his second term in the White HouseBeaming: President Obama looked incredibly proud as he danced with wife Michelle to celebrate his second term in the White House
The world is watching: Thousands attended the Inauguration Ball in Washington which was viewed by millions on Monday evening The world is watching: Thousands attended the Inauguration Ball in Washington which was viewed by millions on Monday evening
Stunning: Jill Biden looked fabulous in a blue silk creation by Vera Wang alongside a dapper VP JoeStunning: Jill Biden looked fabulous in a blue silk creation by Vera Wang alongside a dapper VP Joe
Double act: VP Joe Biden and wife Jill react to the crowd as they appear at the Inaugural ball on Monday evening in D.C. Double act: VP Joe Biden and wife Jill react to the crowd as they appear at the Inaugural ball on Monday evening in D.C.
Applause: VP Biden thanks Jamie Foxx after he sang at the Inaugural Ball on Monday night Applause: VP Biden thanks Jamie Foxx after he sang at the Inaugural Ball on Monday night