Donald and Melania Trump stepped out for their first dance as president and first lady to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s My Way last night to cap off a day of festivities celebrating his inauguration.
The couple planned to attend three balls held in their honour — the Salute to Our Armed Services Ball at the National Building Museum and the Liberty Ball and Freedom Ball in separate parts of the Washington convention centre.
Tickets were open to the public — access to the Armed Services Ball costs only $50 — but closed to most press, which had not been the precedent.
Mike Pence, the new vice-president, was also at the event with his wife, which started without the star guests who were delayed.
The first couple’s appearance was preceded by speculation over which designer Mrs Trump would choose for the occasion and what the choice would signal. She eventually appeared in a white off-the shoulder gown.
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In 2009 her predecessor, Michelle Obama, chose a one-shoulder white gown made by Jason Wu, a young New York-based designer who was born in Taiwan, in a choice that highlighted diversity in American fashion. Tracy Reese, an African-American designer, was another favourite.
Nancy Reagan brought the glamour of Hollywood with a gown that cost more than $20,000, while Rosalynn Carter wore a dress she had previously been seen in at her husband’s investiture as governor of Georgia. It was bought at a shop in their small town and underscored her husband’s promise to be “the people’s president”.
In a pale blue Ralph Lauren dress, with a matching cropped cowl-neck coat and suede gloves, Mrs Trump earlier channelled Jackie Kennedy, who wore the same hue in 1961, for the inauguration ceremony.
Her stepdaughter Ivanka stepped out in a bespoke white Oscar de la Renta coat and trousers. Mr Trump was said to be reluctant to practise the first dance, so their steps on the dance floor were to be impromptu.
The dance was due to be followed with entertainment from Michael Flatley’s troupe.