Obama cuts number of inaugural balls down from 10 to TWO as a way to help with tough economy

Dancing night: Michelle and Barack Obama stopped

by all 10 of the inaugural balls that were held in 2009,

but they will have far fewer dancefloors to hit this

time around

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

With his nation under financial strain, President Barack Obama decided his inaugural festivities to only two balls, making it the lowest number of parties in 60 eyars.

He decided to cut down on the pomp and circumstance from his initial inauguration, where there were 10 balls, to January's two balls and a concert honoring military families.

Planners say the austerity in festivities is a reflection of tough economic times and an effort to minimize the burden on law enforcement, other security personnel and Washington residents.

Both balls are being planned at the Washington Convention Center on Monday, January 21, the evening of Obama's public inauguration at the Capitol on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Under the Constitution, the president's second term begins January 20 at noon, but he'll be sworn in privately at the White House – with limited media coverage – since inaugural celebrations traditionally aren't held on Sundays.

One party will be the Commander In Chief's Ball, a tradition started by President George W. Bush for members of the Armed Forces.

Tickets will be free for invited guests, including active duty and reserve service members, Medal of Honor recipients and wounded warriors, among others, with troops overseas participating via video.

The other ball, simply being called the Inaugural Ball, will be larger than usual and held across all the halls in the vast convention center. Some tickets will be available to the public.

Tender moment during travel time: The couple will be moving around far less this year

Kickoff: Adam Levine, Faith Hill, Jamie Foxx, Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Will.I.Am all performed at the Neighborhood Ball in 2009, with Beyonce singing 'At Last' as the first couple's first dance

By contrast, six balls were held in the convention center for Obama's 2008 inauguration. The Presidential Inaugural Committee, which is putting on the parties with donated funds, has yet to announce ticket information or details on talent that will perform at the celebrations.

The president and first lady plan to attend both official balls, per tradition. Several other unofficial balls are being planned across Washington during inaugural weekend, giving Obama's supporters plenty of opportunity to celebrate albeit without their president in attendance. Read more: dailymail.co.uk