The US president, Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama attend the Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington, DC on Monday. — AFP photo

Barack and Michelle Obama slow-danced their way into their next four years in the White House on Monday at a monster inaugural ball featuring some of the biggest stars in popular music today.
Like the king and queen of a high school prom, the president and first lady flashed awkward smiles as they held each other closely and swayed to Jennifer Hudson covering Al Green’s 1972 soul classic ‘Let’s Stay Together.’
The black-tie and sequined crowd of up to 40,000 in the dark belly of Washington’s Convention Centre downtown cheered wildly, raising their hands as one to capture the moment on their digital cameras and smartphones.
For her choice of gown, Michelle Obama stayed loyal to Jason Wu, choosing the young Taiwanese-born, New York-based designer for her much-anticipated inaugural ball dress — just as she did four years ago.
A fashion trend-setter and champion of up-and-coming designers, she matched the arresting ruby-coloured, halter-top chiffon and velvet gown with Jimmy Choo shoes and a Kimberly McDonald diamond-embellished ring.
‘Just danced to ‘Let’s Stay Together’ with the love of my life and the president of the United States,’ she said via Twitter right after stepping off the stage. ‘I’m so proud of Barack.’
Wu, who dressed the first lady in a one-shouldered white gown for her 2009 inaugural balls, was unaware until the last minute that he was, once again, her choice for the big night. ‘#Inshock!!!’ he hashtagged on his Twitter feed.
Earlier in the day, for the presidential public oath-taking on the steps of the Capitol, the first lady bundled up against the near-freezing temperatures in a navy Thom Browne coat and dress with a J Crew belt and gloves.