At his recent inauguration Trump fist-pumped with a sword in hand, cut an extravagant cake and swayed stiffly to Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers with his wife Melania standing by his side with a serious expression.
If you think Trump might not score high on the dancing scale here’s a look at how his predecessors fared:
Bill Clinton In 1993, Bill Clinton marked his ascension to the presidency by dancing to a song from the early 80s Biggest Part of Me by Ambrosia. While Clinton and Hillary seemed to enjoy themselves the song’s hopeful lyrics about eternal love may have taken on an awkward tone later especially given Clinton’s infamous affair with Monica Lewinsky. While Clinton wasn’t known for his dancing he did shine as a saxophonist. Throughout the night, he jammed with artists like Bruce Springsteen Jimmy Buffett, and Loggins & Messina opting to join the bands rather than spend much time on the dancefloor.
George W. Bush George W. Bush holds the title of the most reluctant dancer in modern presidential history. At his 2001 inauguration he and Laura danced to Ernest Tubb’s Waltz Across Texas for just 29 seconds as historian Jim Were noted. Bush admitted his lack of grace often joking that dancing on carpet was a challenge and he also referred to himself as a lousy dancer. Even in 2005 at his second inauguration his brief awkward shuffling to I Could Have Danced All Night showed that dancing wasn’t his forte.
Barack Obama Barack Obama’s inaugural dances in 2009 and 2013 were memorable for both their cultural significance and elegance. In 2009, Obama and Michelle danced to Etta James At Last with Beyoncé singing live. The moment was symbolic marking a new chapter in U.S. history with America’s first Black President and First Lady. Four years later in 2013 the Obama’s shared another slow tender moment as they danced to Jennifer Hudson’s rendition of Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together a nod to their strong bond amidst a challenging presidency.
Donald Trump (2017) Trump’s first inaugural dance in 2017 was somewhat awkward but it was also deeply symbolic. Dancing to Frank Sinatra’s My Way Trump set the tone for his presidency underscoring themes of independence and defiance. Though his shuffle with Melania was stiff his choice of song expressed his desire to go his own way and his remarks before the dance emphasized his victory despite skepticism from others.
Joe Biden Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021 was a quieter affair, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Without the traditional inaugural balls Biden and his wife Jill didn’t have the chance to share a public first dance. Instead Biden held his young grandson Beau and bounced around as Demi Lovato sang Lovely Day during a televised concert. Biden’s wish to celebrate in a grand way was tempered by the state of the world at the time and with Trump now back in the White House Biden’s inaugural memories might seem distant.
As we reflect on the first dances of these U.S. Presidents it’s clear that some were more graceful than others. Regardless of their dancing skills these moments remain a symbol of the peaceful transfer of power and the continuation of American traditions, even in the face of inevitable awkwardness.
