Obamas hit the ball circuit

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle went out for a night of dancing and mingling in the nation's capital Tuesday to celebrate his inauguration.

The Obamas danced to Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey at the Neighborhood Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, The Washington Post reported. She wore a sweeping, shimmery white, one-shouldered, floor-length gown with a train by Jason Wu.

Obama, who wore a white tie to accent his suit, got a huge positive response from the crowd when he asked "How good-looking is my wife?"

Obama also danced onstage with a young woman, the Post said.

The Obamas were to hit 10 balls before calling it a night sometime in the early-morning hours.

Earlier, the first couple took two walks along the inaugural parade route, prompting near-deafening cheers from the crowd.

The Obamas gave some shout-outs, claps on the back and impromptu dancing in the reviewing stand along Pennsylvania Avenue where they watched the inaugural parade along with Vice President Joe Biden and his family, as well as family friends and guests.

First children Malia and Sasha Obama sometimes leaned forward to catch the parade units as the passed by the enclosed reviewing stand.

When the Obamas emerged from the fortified vehicle bearing the license plate "USA1," the crowd backed from curb to buildings erupted into cheers. The Obamas walked for a few blocks before returning to their vehicle, while the Bidens walked from that point on to the White House.

The Obamas exited their vehicle again near the end of reviewing stand and walked the rest of the way.

The presidential motorcade was paced by the Rosa Parks bus, which commemorates Parks' refusal to move to the back of the bus during the days of segregation. The bus was recreated for this event.

Commenting on CNN, the Rev. Jesse Jackson called the inauguration of Obama as the first black president of the United States a "seminal" event in American history.

Just an hour into his presidency, Obama signed nomination papers for his Cabinet choices and dined with members of the U.S. Congress.

About 200 congressional leaders and guests dined in Statuary Hall on a three-course lunch Obama aides said was inspired by Abraham Lincoln -- seafood stew, a brace of American birds and apple sponge cake.

Strains of "Hail to the Chief" filled hall as the Obamas entered and waded through the crowd, shaking hands and accepting well-wishes.

During the final minutes of the swearing-in ceremony, amateur photographers snapped photos to record the historic inauguration of the United States' first black president -- including Biden who snapped a few shots for one of Obama's daughters.

In a clear voice Obama said "I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear" to become the 44th commander in chief. The oath was administered by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. at the Capitol under sunny skies with temperatures in the 20s.