US Army Sergeant Reflects on Dancing with Melania Trump

The Commander-in-Chief Ball on inaugural night was a momentous occasion, with one particular event drawing significant attention. Among the highlights was a memorable dance between First Lady Melania Trump and U.S. Army Sergeant Henry Waller. For Sergeant Waller, the experience was both surreal and unforgettable.

“When I walked out on stage, I was trying to contain my composure, but we were told that it’s not like ceremonial composure. We can smile if we want to,” Waller shared. “I was just overwhelmed with joy being out on the stage with all those people cheering for me.”

Dancing with the First Lady and Other Dignitaries

The First Lady smiled warmly as she and Waller moved across the dance floor. When asked if Melania Trump spoke to him during the dance, Waller recalled, “I asked her how her night was going. She said it was going good. She asked me how mine was. I said it was fantastic.” He also praised her dancing abilities, saying, “Oh yeah, she’s a really good dancer.”

While Waller’s role in the dance was widely praised, he admitted he had no formal preparation for the event. “Did you get to rehearse?” he was asked. “The only rehearsing I did was back home with my wife, dancing with her,” he replied. This simple practice paid off as he confidently twirled the First Lady in front of an admiring audience.

At the same time, President Trump was dancing with Sergeant Tatiana Saldana from the United States Space Force. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha also participated in the festivities, switching dancing partners. Usha danced with Petty Officer Emanuel while the Vice President was joined by Staff Sergeant Lexis Martinez of the United States Marine Corps.

Sergeant Saldana’s Nerves and Sergeant Waller’s Poise

Sergeant Saldana shared her own thoughts on the experience, saying, “I was very nervous because I’ve never done anything like that before.” When asked about the President’s dancing skills, she joked, “Better than me. I was so nervous I probably looked like I had two left feet.” Despite her nerves, the moment was one she’ll never forget. Her boyfriend even recorded the event, capturing the priceless memories on video.

Sergeant Waller’s selection for the honor was no coincidence. As an honor guard, he is frequently seen at state funerals and White House arrivals. Additionally, his towering height of 6’6″ made him a noticeable presence on the stage. His professionalism and poise shone through, even amidst the grandeur of the evening.

Watch the full interview below: