Michelle radiant in gown by obscure designer

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were dancing their way through 10 official inaugural balls after a day of pomp and circumstance that saw his first presidential address and excitement about her inaugural dress.

Michelle Obama, dressed in Jason Wu, and President Obama at the Home State Ball Tuesday night.

The Obamas were serenaded by Beyoncu00e9 during their first dance at the Neighborhood Ball Tuesday night. Beyoncu00e9 sang Etta James' "At Last," from her role in the movie "Cadillac Records" as the couple laughed and took their first spin around the dance floor.

Before the dance, Obama addressed the crowd, which erupted in applause when he entered the room.

"First of all, how good-looking is my wife?" Obama joked.

All eyes certainly were on Michelle Obama, who had kept her choice of a designer and dress style a secret until literally the moment she entered the dance floor.

The first lady was clad in a long white gown designed by up-and-coming designer Jason Wu. His design style combines modern lifestyle dressing and haute couture, according to his Web site. Wu, 26, has been in business for three years, said Joe Berean, fashion director of InStyle.com.

"This is a huge moment for the designer," Berean said. "Not only did she look stunning and modern and beautiful, but she's really done something for this amazing young designer. Berean said the first lady has worn a Wu dress once before, during a recent interview with Barbara Walters.

Since her husband's election, designers and fashion editors have given their thoughts on what Michelle Obama should wear. Some even shared their sketches for dress options.

The Neighborhood Ball, a first of its kind and one of the balls open to the public, was the first of 10 official balls that the Obamas were scheduled to attend.

For the new president, the first was particularly important.

"I cut my teeth doing neighborhood work and this campaign was organized neighborhood by neighborhood," he said.

For that reason "this ball is the one that captures best the spirit of this campaign," Obama said.

The Obamas then moved to their second ball -- the Home State Ball, for Illinois and Hawaii -- at the Convention Center.

After greeting the crowd by saying "Aloha," the president thanked many in the crowd who he said were old friends who had been part of the couple's lives for awhile.

"This is a special ball because it represents our roots," he said.

The couple laughed and embraced as they danced. President Obama even let loose after his long day, twirling his wife around in a circle -- a move the crowd cheered.

Next, the Obamas made their way to the Commander-in-Chief Ball, attended by many members of the military, including wounded veterans.

"It is wonderful to be surrounded by some of the very best and bravest Americans," Obama said. "Your courage, your grace and your patriotism inspire us all."

Obama told the crowd that there is "no greater honor or responsibility than serving as your commander in chief."

Obama then introduced members of the military from Illinois stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan. After thanking them, Obama took time for lighter banter, polling the members of the military about whether they were Chicago Cubs or Chicago White Sox baseball fans.

"Terrible!" quipped Obama, known to be a huge White Sox fan, as most said they were Cubs fans.

Then Obama introduced his wife, who took a moment to emerge from backstage.

"I may have been stood up," he joked, before she came out for their next dance.

Melanie Roussell, a spokeswoman for the committee, said that in keeping with tradition, the Obamas and Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, will make appearances at each of the official balls.

There will be more than chips and dip for the new president and his fellow partygoers. "We will have a little more than light fare," said Roussell, who listed such menu items as penne Italiano and chilled chicken roulades with tomatoes, artichokes and pine nuts.

There will also be plenty of music to suit just about everyone's taste. In addition to Beyoncu00e9, the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center included recording artists Jay-Z, Faith Hill, Shakira and Alicia Keys.