The president wore white tie, while Michelle wore a white, one-shouldered, floor-length gown by 26-year-old New York designer Jason Wu, embellished from top to bottom with white floral details. "First of all, how good looking is my wife?" Mr. Obama asked the crowd of celebrities and supporters alike.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama begin their first dance together at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. At rear is singer Beyonce.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have their first dance of the evening at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

President Barack Obama kisses First Lady Michelle Obama as they dance to the Etta James classic "At Last," performed by Beyonce, during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

Mary J. Blige performs at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Singers will.i.am (left) and Mariah Carey perform at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

President Barack Obama dances with an invited guest on stage as First Lady Michelle Obama looks on, at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance together at the Obama Home States Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

The crowd cheers and takes photos at the Obama Home States Inaugural Ball in Washington, Jan. 20, 2009.

President Barack Obama waves from the stage at the Obama Home States Inaugural Ball, to which guests from Illinois and Hawaii were invited.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance at the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball, at the National Building Museum in Washington, Jan. 20, 2009.

Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, wore a bright red strapless gown by Reem Acra. After speaking to those attending the Commander in Chief Ball, Biden joked about his apprehension over dancing and did a quick sign of the cross before taking the floor.

Vice President Joe Biden dances with his wife Jill at the Commander In Chief Ball on Inauguration Night in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Among the other artists performing this evening were Alicia Keys at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, Wyclef Jean at the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball, and Kid Rock at the Youth Inaugural Ball.

As the parties continued, Mr. Obama said, "Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, the work begins. ... Together, I am confident we will write the next great chapter in America's story."