State of the First Dance & The Dress
EmailThe Obamas have not been taking dance lessons or practicing for their first dance as the first couple on Tuesday evening, contrary to President-elect Barack Obama himself admitting that he needs to do so to avoid getting teased by his own wife.
"Michelle keeps on knocking my dancing in public in ways that have hurt my feelings," Obama said in an interview with USA today this week, "so I probably should practice just ’cause she’ll tease me mercilessly if I step on her toes."
Obama has joked on multiple occasions that he’s not going to argue with his wife’s claim that she is a better dancer.
In an interview this week with Univision, Obama said that he’s planning on doing a simple-two step, “you know, nothing fancy.”
The president-elect says that they are scheduled to get home at 3 a.m. on Wednesday morning –- after hitting the 10 official inaugural balls that evening.
The Obamas will be serenaded by Beyonce — a favorite singer of every member of the Obama family –- during their first dance.
In a statement given to Entertainment Tonight, Beyonce revealed that she will be singling “At Last” to the couple as they take their first spin on the dance floor (The Obama’s first song at their wedding was Stevie Wonder’s “You and I”).
What will Michelle Obama be wearing for the inaugural balls? Contrary to past first ladies, Mrs. Obama does not plan to reveal the designer of her dress until inauguration day.
Michelle Obama’s aides tell ABC News that the future first lady has yet to make a final decision on which dress she will wear.
And to prepare for the big moment, the Obamas are each flying in their long-time hairdressers to help them style their hairdos for inauguration day.
Mr. Obama’s hometown barber, Zariff –- from Hyde Park Hair Salon — has done Obama’s hair for 14 years. He will be coming in for the inauguration to give the future president his pre-presidential clip.
Zariff will also stay for the inauguration festivities as a guest of the Obamas, and spoke of what his friend’s swearing in means for him.
“I’m very proud. Here I’ve seen a guy set out on a path of something that he wanted to achieve,” Zariff told ABC News. “He’s a good example of how what you can achieve though hard work.”
Mrs. Obama has an equally close relationship to her hairdresser, Rahni Flowers, a man she’s known since high school and who has styled her hair for 18 years.
Transition aides confirm that Mrs. Obama will be flying in Mr. Flowers to help with her hair and makeup for the inauguration festivities.
Shortly after winning the presidency in November, Mr. Obama stopped going directly to Zariff’s Hyde Park Hair Salon and opted for private cuts from Zariff at the apartment of an aide.
Will Zariff move to Washington, D.C now that his most famous client has relocated?
“I don’t have to move,” insisted Zariff, speaking from his salon in Chicago. “I will come down especially for him.”
– Yunji de Nies, Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller
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the country is in recession, people are hurting, many jobless, and you guys talk about what she would wear? or who will make her hair?
well, if she is smart, she wears something from a department store…
Posted by: Nina | January 18, 2009, 1:05 am 1:05 am
She likes to buy some of her clothes at Macy’s from the sales racks. But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity so why not have a designer do a dress just for her, it will probably be donated to the Smithonian First Ladies Exhibit anyway, so I don’t see what the big deal is anyway.
From everyone’s remarks about the recession and paying a lot of money for a dress when the economy is doing so bad, if they can afford for her to get a designer dress, it is their money and let them spend it any way they want.
Posted by: Kathy | January 18, 2009, 1:53 am 1:53 am
considering how bad the economy is the large scale Inauguration seems not to fit his words and rhetoric, it is not appropriate to do it on the grand scale that is happening in DC with the economy so bad.
Posted by: notfor obama | January 18, 2009, 1:59 am 1:59 am
I have no problem with the dress(s) she will be able to have – all other president wives has had that priviledge.
I voted for President Elect Obama for many reaons. I was in hope that perhaps one thing he might be able to do is put a healing in our country that has needed to happen in many years – that healing is for Black Americans and the white americans (what ever the skin tone)is.
I have no pregidious we are of one nation and we all need for this to happen.
Posted by: Diane | January 18, 2009, 2:29 am 2:29 am
Look, the money for the Inauguration is being donated by individuals. You can even check on the website to see who donated.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion and although “thanks to George Bush” we are in a recession, I don’t think the next administration should have to forego every bit of celebration for the mistake of the Republicans. They have cut out the fireworks and a lot of things, but Michelle should have her dress – a dress that will become part of our history in the Smithsonian.
Quit crying about it.
By the way – a note to Andrew Yu-Jen Wang. Condi Rice was NOT one of the survivors of the bombed church.
Posted by: Gorgegirl | January 18, 2009, 3:37 am 3:37 am
The committee has raised $41M. The cost is at least $150M. So the tax payer is on the hook for $109M.
Why do you try to fool us?
Posted by: BertieW | January 18, 2009, 5:00 am 5:00 am
well, if she is smart, she wears something from a department store…
Posted by: Nina | Jan 18, 2009 1:05:05 AM
you are joking right? this once is a life time opportunity, she should shop from Walmart or some department store, where most of the clothes aren’t even made in this country but mexico or china.
LOL, heck sarh caribou didn’t even see it fit to shop at the reg. “hockey moms” shop why should our first lady for crying out loud. LOL
Posted by: ebey | January 18, 2009, 6:05 am 6:05 am
Inaugural costs are usually cited as the costs of the balls and festivities. In this respect, despite inflation Obama is in line with the 2005 Bush inaugural which cost $42.3 million. In both cases, these costs are covered by donations.
And yes, for every inauguration there are millions and millions of dollars in costs beyond this that are covered by the government and include items like security, secret service, military personnel for the parade, public transportation, emergency services . .. and so on.
Posted by: pefros | January 18, 2009, 6:08 am 6:08 am
Hmmmm! What a waste of our taxpayer’s money??? She should buy her own clothes from the department store.
Posted by: anonymous | January 18, 2009, 6:09 am 6:09 am
Some other Inaugural facts:
President Bush held nine inaugural balls in 2005 — the most expensive inauguration in U.S. history, costing $42.3 million in private funds. First lady Laura Bush sported a different gown at each one.
Bill Clinton’s inaugural festivities . . . cost $33 million in 1993.
Nancy Reagan wore a $100,000 gown to Ronald Reagan’s three-hour inaugural gala, which featured Frank Sinatra, in 1981.
Reagan’s inaugural ball cost $16.3 million in 1981, more than three times that of Jimmy Carter’s $3.5 million inaugural celebration in 1977 — even after counting the 48.7 percent inflation rate during Carter’s one term in office.
Posted by: pefros | January 18, 2009, 6:20 am 6:20 am
While the commoners hurt, the upper-class parties like it’s 1999. Where have we seen this before? Oh, yes, the French Revolution.
Posted by: Gotterdammerung | January 18, 2009, 6:44 am 6:44 am
Come on people…the eyes of the world will be on us Tuesday. Do you want us to come off as a bunch of hillbillies? It’s customary for the newly elected president to host numerous parties and for them to look their best to represent the country. Come Wednesday morning, President Obama will have his hands full restoring this country to what it was in 2000 when Clinton handed it over. Let them have a chance to have a good time before the hard work begins. This is something that’s been done for decades, regardless of political affiliation. I look forward to the festivites. Lighten up!
Posted by: partytime | January 18, 2009, 8:43 am 8:43 am
Would guess we all need to just “close our eyes” – what will be will be. But, we never forget. Humble is as humble does.
Posted by: Yankee | January 18, 2009, 11:14 am 11:14 am
ppunch writes:
“Beyonce — a favorite singer of every member of the Obama family … ”
God help us.
Posted by: Belle Starr | January 18, 2009, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm
“Beyonce — a favorite singer of every member of the Obama family … ”
“God help us” is Belle Stars reply.
_______________________________________________
Did you have the same obnoxious response when pop group, Destiny’s Child entertained the crowd in between video biographies of President-elect Bush and his wife, Laura as part of their inauguration festivities?
Beyonce was the lead singer of that group.
Posted by: Paige | January 18, 2009, 12:38 pm 12:38 pm
well, if she is smart, she wears something from a department store…
Posted by: Nina
*********************************************
Why should she? She has spent her whole life working hard. So you believe that if you lose your job but I keep mine, that I should not spend any more money than you have?
Are you anti-logic?
Posted by: Truth Matters | January 18, 2009, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
The committee has raised $41M. The cost is at least $150M. So the tax payer is on the hook for $109M.
Why do you try to fool us?
Posted by: BertieW
*********************************************
don’t believe everything you read or hear. Find some proof or evidence about the actual cost of the Inauguration. You have none.
Posted by: Truth Matters | January 18, 2009, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
“Come Wednesday morning, President Obama will have his hands full restoring this country to what it was in 2000 when Clinton handed it over.”
Whoa. Obama is planning a tech crash and unprepared intelligence community?
Posted by: BertieW | January 18, 2009, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
” Find some proof or evidence about the actual cost of the Inauguration. You have none.”
I suppose it easier to handwave and say dont worry man its all covered.
However the AP disagrees:
“The price tag for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration gala is expected to break records, with some estimates reaching as high as $150 million. Despite the bleak economy, however, Democrats who called on President George W. Bush to be frugal four years ago are issuing no such demands now that an inaugural weekend of rock concerts and star-studded parties has begun.
Obama’s inaugural committee has raised more than $41 million to cover events ranging from a Philadelphia-to-Washington train ride to a megastar concert with Beyonce, U2 and Bruce Springsteen to 10 official inaugural balls. Add to that the massive costs of security and transportation — costs absorbed by U.S. taxpayers — and the historic inauguration will produce an equally historic bill.”
Posted by: BertieW | January 18, 2009, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
“However the AP disagrees:”
_______________________________________
Yes, and the story has been held up as a standard for shoddy journalism.
Here’s Why -
Where does that jaw-dropping number of $150 million come from? The AP never says. It doesn’t quote anybody, it doesn’t point to any facts. There’s no nothing. The AP builds an entire story around how much Obama’s inauguration might cost (why stop at $150 million?), yet never substantiates the what-if estimates.
(Eric Boehart)
Posted by: Paige | January 18, 2009, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
I really dont care what HuffPo or Daily Kos thinks passes for bad journalism. The Daily Mail also think this is >$150M.
You notice that there are extensive quotes from the Inauguration Committee but they dont challenge the number. They didnt have to declare a State of Emergency in DC because of a pancake breakfast.
You have nothing to hang your hat on- there are credible news reports saying $150M. And the committee has only raised $41M. Thus there is no arguing that the tax payer is going to be stuck with a huge bill- the first of many.
Posted by: BertieW | January 18, 2009, 2:43 pm 2:43 pm
Inaugural costs are usually cited as the costs of the balls and festivities. In this respect, despite inflation Obama ($45 million) is in line with the 2005 Bush inaugural which cost $42.3 million. In both cases, these costs are covered by donations.
And yes, for every inauguration there are millions and millions of dollars in costs beyond this that are covered by the government and include items like security, secret service, military personnel for the parade, public transportation, emergency services . .. and so on.
Posted by: pefros | January 18, 2009, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
bertiew – The AP did a similar shoddy piece on The Bush Inaugural in 2005. It did not have specific facts, just estimates and offered no quotes or insight from anyone actually involved in the Inauguration.
I call shoddy journalism shoddy no matter what they are covering. Somehow I don’t ever see you doing the same.
Posted by: Paige | January 18, 2009, 5:19 pm 5:19 pm
Its just like Wikipedia- no independent research accepted.
Therr are news stories saying $150M- where is your citation for any other number?
Posted by: BertieW | January 18, 2009, 8:36 pm 8:36 pm
If ever this country needed a party that celebrates the best in us all this is the time. Today as I watched the concert on the mall I felt filled with hope and pride. I hope Michelle Obama looks fabulous. The next few days are going into the history books. I am savoring every moment of them.
Posted by: livvy | January 18, 2009, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
“If ever this country needed a party that celebrates the best in us all this is the time.”
Yes, you were very well marketed to. Congratulations.
Posted by: BertieW | January 19, 2009, 12:51 am 12:51 am
Inaugural costs are usually cited as the costs of the balls and festivities. In this respect, despite inflation Obama (approx. $45 million) is in line with the 2005 Bush inaugural which cost $42.3 million. In both cases, these costs are covered by donations.
And yes, for every inauguration there are millions and millions of dollars in costs beyond this that are covered by the government and include items like security, secret service, military personnel for the parade, public transportation, emergency services, porta-potties, restraining barriers, . .. and so on.
Posted by: pefros | January 19, 2009, 1:14 am 1:14 am
I think about people losing their homes and jobs, and the President elect and his family spending taxpayers money on this crap. When the mother in law goes out by herself is the secret service going with her? Obama’s should be a shame of the money they are spending.
Posted by: Patty | January 19, 2009, 10:52 am 10:52 am
BeriteW – The Obama figure of $160 million that has been repeated in the press includes estimates of security costs associated with the event.
The Bush expense of $42 million you are hanging your hat on for drama LEFT OUT those enormous security costs.
The “estimates” for Bush security alone pre-inauguration was $70 million. Weeks following the Bush inauguration, it was reported that the actual cost for Security only for the inauguration of Bush, war-time President was 116 Million.
You do the Math.
Posted by: Paige | January 19, 2009, 11:18 am 11:18 am
BertieW – btw- difference between good journalism and shoddy journalism.? The AP story with no quotes or facts vs. the ABC story substantiated with facts, details and quotes from various people close to the event.
Posted by: Paige | January 19, 2009, 11:27 am 11:27 am
“The “estimates” for Bush security alone pre-inauguration was $70 million. Weeks following the Bush inauguration, it was reported that the actual cost for Security only for the inauguration of Bush, war-time President was 116 Million.
You do the Math.”
So if I use your completely undocumented numbers and do the Math I get that Obama the I is blowing an extra $44M. Got it.
Posted by: BertieW | January 19, 2009, 12:04 pm 12:04 pm
BertieW – Does your mindless hate ever wear you down? The Security is also protecting our outgoing President and staff, wanted fiercely by International Extremist.
In addition to the regular security concerns with an inauguration, Security has to deal with threats from domestic terrorist because our new leader is African-American.
My hats off to the Secret Service and those protecting our Capital.
Posted by: Paige | January 19, 2009, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
Oh, so the phrase, “freedom of speech,” has its limits, I see…just like always.
Posted by: Dwayne Michaels | January 19, 2009, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
For those of you that believe that the president-elect and his wife are spending tax payer funds for clothes and hair – you need to check your facts – they pay for these items with personal funds – and for the person that wondered if the “First Granny” is protected by the secret service – would you want a member of your family put in harm’s way if you were in the Obamas’ shoes – she is a member of the family – and she should receive protection – just like you would want your family protected! As Americans we all have the right to an opinion – but before spuing inaccurate information – check the facts and then speak!
Posted by: a concerned citizen | January 19, 2009, 3:06 pm 3:06 pm
Oh lay off it, already. Michelle Obama is the first black first lady and she needs to look magnificent. She has look sophisticated, tasteful, polished, smart and fashionable all at the same time. I hope she looks like absolute royalty, and her two daughters like little princesses. If she wore an off-the-rack gown from from the Nordstrom Rack with a homemade ‘do, she’d look like a passenger on a 4 day Carnival Cruise. This woman represents our country, let her knock ‘em dead.
Posted by: Fashionista | January 19, 2009, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm
Good God, I hope they gain better taste in music. Beyonce? She’s talented, but not as naturally gifted as Chrstina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson. And she’s not as classy and reflective as Alicia Keys.
No way does Beyonce deserve the honor of singing “At Last” when Etta James is still alive and has more soul in her pinky than Beyonce does in her entire body.
Posted by: Maria | January 20, 2009, 1:54 am 1:54 am
I think Michelle Obama Is going to make an excellent First Lady. she has class and sophistication. She is highly educated and she is a mother of 2 beautful little girls. She will want nothing less than To see her husband succeed and to see her Children benefit from this experience. Although I am not a black american I am still proud of the fact that America is finally stating to grow up and quit acting so childish. It’s not the color of skin that makes a person it’s the integrity in his heart. Congratulations President and First Lady Obama for showing American children that thy can do and be anything if they just put their foot in the door.
Posted by: Cherie | January 20, 2009, 6:44 am 6:44 am
Come on people…the eyes of the world will be on us Tuesday. Do you want us to come off as a bunch of hillbillies? It’s customary for the newly elected president to host numerous parties and for them to look their best to represent the country. Come Wednesday morning, President Obama will have his hands full restoring this country to what it was in 2000 when Clinton handed it over. Let them have a chance to have a good time before the hard work begins. This is something that’s been done for decades, regardless of political affiliation. I look forward to the festivites. Lighten up!
I say Amen to that!
Posted by: Melisa | January 20, 2009, 8:37 am 8:37 am
The Obamas are extremely wise and highly intelligent people. They have and are continuously earning their own money outside of the salary of which is not enough they he will receive for the Job as our President. They have the right and have sure earned that to do as they damn well pleased in spending their money! So back the hell off of them people!
Posted by: TL | January 20, 2009, 9:46 pm 9:46 pm
@Nina
Blue light special, baby ;)
Posted by: Served Overthere | January 21, 2009, 12:43 am 12:43 am
Beyonce’s was exposing herself with the dress she had on. The full image of her breast and nipples were showing through the fabric of her dress! Either the dress was too tight or the fabric was too thin, either way it looked horrible. All the other ladies were tasteful in their dress selection but I was embarrassed for her (Beyonce). She should have dressed modestly for the occasion.
Posted by: Mischele | January 21, 2009, 6:44 am 6:44 am
I agree with Mischele on 1/21 about Beyonce’s dress. I am a die-hard fan of Bey, but why didn’t she make sure she was covered up? I blame her mom and husband. They should have caught that before she walked on that stage. She was singing for the President!!!
Posted by: mismel88 | January 28, 2009, 11:01 pm 11:01 pm
The entertainment is always a funny business.
Posted by: Rolf Volpicelli | October 17, 2011, 3:42 pm 3:42 pm