'We got some dancing to do,' Bush says!

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- George W. Bush ended the first day of his presidency Saturday night with a round of inaugural balls. The president and first lady Laura Bush danced through eight events to say "thank you" to supporters.

"It's a special day for America. It's a day in which our nation confirms democracy -- a peaceful transfer of power," Bush said at the ball for New York and five other states.

"I love being your president," he said. "I cannot wait for tomorrow -- but tonight, we've got some dancing to do."

The president and first lady performed the traditional visits of the balls through the night, zipping from one to another and stopping for only a few minutes at each one. While ball-goers nibbled on hors d'oeuvres and sipped on drinks, Bush thanked them for their support.

Vice President Dick Cheney was also busy making the inaugural ball rounds. "We're going to give you the kind of government that you can be proud of again," Cheney said at the Texas-Wyoming ball -- perhaps the night's hot spot because Bush is from Texas and Cheney is from Wyoming.

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At each ball, bands played "Hail to the Chief" for Bush and "Hail, Columbia" for Cheney. Entertainment for the balls was a broad affair, ranging from the Guy Lombardo Orchestra to Meat Loaf. Other acts and stars serving as either entertainment or emcees included Kelsey Grammer, Drew Carey, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Nell Carter.

Bush wore a black tuxedo and the first lady wore a sparkling red gown. The balls have been part of the inauguration ceremonies since 1809 and have been held every four years since Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower restored the tradition after a 36-year absence in 1953.

Tickets cost $125, with the cost of the eight balls held down by the almost $40 million in donations collected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, a record haul. Much of the money came in contributions of $100,000 from corporations with business before the federal government.

Many states had a place at one of the eight balls. Texas and Wyoming partied at the Washington Convention Center. Tennessee, home state of defeated Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore, was at the Ronald Reagan Building with seven other states. New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania took over Union Station.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.