Washington? This was more like Hollywood

The pomp and ceremony of the swearing-in behind him, the President joked about his footwork as stars of screen, music and sport cheered them on.

These were precious moments in the early hours of today before Mr Obama confronts an in-tray which includes rescuing the crippled economy, charting a new course for Iraq and Afghanistan and shaping a new approach to the Middle East.

But for a while at least, the 44th President and his First Lady seemed to have the world at their feet. "Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow the work begins," said Mr Obama.

Wearing a tuxedo and white tie, he seemed particularly careful not to trip over the train of her white gown designed by Jason Wu.

The Neighbourhood Ball

Their first dance of the evening was to the tune of At Last sung by Beyoncé. The Neighbourhood Ball is for local people and community organisers, although stars there included Sting, Mary J Blige, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Shakira.

Obama Home States Ball

Supporters chanted "Beso, Beso, Beso," the Spanish for kiss. But the First Lady shook her head firmly.

The Commander-in-Chief Ball

Mr Obama said the special party for military personnel, including 300 wounded, best represented the spirit of his presidential campaign. Jon Bon Jovi entertained the troops with a rendition of Who Says You Can't Go Home.

Midwestern Ball

Sheryl Crow said she could not remember the last time she played a gig in a dress and heels, adding: "I'm doing it for the new President, just my way of serving my
country."

Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez shook off rumours of a split when for his last number he called her on stage for a duet. "Man, she's cute," he said as she walked off stage.

Youth Ball

After the Obamas swayed to At Last for the third time in the evening, the President told the crowd: "That's what we call old school."

Deafening cheers greeted the couple, led by performers Kid Rock and Kanye West. "The future will be in your hands if you are able to sustain the kind of energy and focus you showed on this campaign," the President told them.

Biden Home States Ball

After yet another performance to At Last, Mr Obama turned to supporters and said: "Let's go change America." The Ball was for supporters from Joe Biden's home turf of Delaware and Pennsylvania.

The vice-president admitted he had two left feet. Clasping his wife Jill, he declared: "I may not be able to dance, but I sure like holding her."

Creative Coalition Ball

Friends star Courteney Cox said that her four-year-old daughter Coco "loves Barack Obama". The actress said she welled up at the swearing-in ceremony. "I got teary just feeling it in the air. It's so huge." Other big names there were Susan Sarandon, her director partner, Tim Robbins, and Anne Hathaway.

Purple Ball

A purple carpet instead of traditional red, with stars including actress Ashley Judd. She confided to wearing long johns at the swearing-in ceremony. "I did layer," she said. "And I did get cold, but I expected that. It was all part of the experience."

Southern Ball

Relegated to the outskirts of Washington, perhaps because nine of the 11 southern states went to Republican John McCain. Singer Susan Tedeschi treated a crowd of 10,000 to country blues. Mr Obama introduced his wife as "the love of my life who does everything I do" — before the band struck up At Last again.

Eastern States Ball

Well after midnight, President Obama reached his last official stop. "This is our last event of Inaugural Day," he said. "So let me ask the First Lady for one last dance."

Earlier, the President admitted he was nervous about his dancing being up to scratch. "Michelle keeps knocking my dancing in public in ways that have hurt my feelings," he said.

"So I probably should practise just because she'll tease me mercilessly if I step on her toes."

In mellow humour, Mr Obama also joked about fluffing his oath of office with Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

"We were up there, we've got a lot of stuff on our minds and he actually, I think, helped me out on a couple of stanzas there," he said. "Overall, I think it went relatively smoothly and I'm very grateful to him."