First lady Jill Biden's efforts to spread some holiday cheer were met with ridicule and astonishment from many, who called her celebratory video “bizarre,” “weird” and “utter garbage.”
That on Wednesday from Dr. Video released by Biden shows members of the New York City-based dance group Dorrance Dancers dancing a “playful” rendition of the Nutcracker Suite through the halls of the White House.
The group finds themselves in a candy-themed hall that leads to the main Christmas tree in the Blue Room. Since 1961 the main tree has normally stood there. The dancers demonstrate how each room was decorated for the celebrations.
“A bit of magic, wonder and joy brought to you by the talented steppers of Dorrance Dance as they perform their playful interpretation of the Nutcracker Suite. “Enjoy!” wrote Dr. Biden.
“Magic, wonder and joy” is the theme this year, President Joe Biden's third visit to the White House.
The first lady's attempts to liven up the Christmas celebrations at the White House have drawn criticism
The dance was performed by the Dorrance Dancers, a New York City-based troupe
The dancers take the viewer on a journey through the hallways of the White House, showing how various rooms were decorated for the holidays
Throughout the video, the dancers in colorful costumes smile and dance to themselves, but many on social media questioned what exactly the clip has to do with Christmas. The ballet that features the Nutcracker Suite takes place on Christmas Eve.
Others posted photos and videos fondly remembering former first lady Melania Trump's Christmas celebrations, although Melania was recorded saying: “Who cares so much about Christmas stuff and Christmas decorations?”
Melania later retracted her comments in an official statement.
The comments under Dr. Biden's official X account was not kind.
Right-wing blogger Ian Miles Cheong said that Dr. Biden's efforts in 2023 exuded a “Hunger Games aesthetic.” Anti-vax activist Alex Rosen agreed, saying: “The second-hand embarrassment is unmatched.”
“This should have been labeled confidential.” “This is terrible,” wrote the infamous Libs of TikTok account. “ABSOLUTE TRASH,” was another person’s opinion.
“It’s an insane Christmas in the Biden White House,” comedian Tim Young tweeted. 'You are so weird. Bizarre. “Freaky,” another person said.
Conservative activist Brigitte Gabriel said: “Children should not watch this filth.”
“Desperately giving in. SO.MUCH.CRINGE,” another user wrote.
“The only thing missing was Dylan Mulvaney!!!,” another person said, referencing the 2023 Bud Light and trans influencer scandal that led to a mass boycott.
Many of those outraged longed for Melania Trump's previous Christmas decorations
Influencer ZNO posted a video showing Melania Trump's awards from her time in the White House and wrote in the caption: “Never forget what they took from you.”
There was some comfort in the comments for the first lady.
'That's incredible! The post put a smile on my face. Hats off to Dorrance Dance and their hard work – I’m sure their rendition of the Nutcracker Suite will continue to bring joy and wonder to audiences,” one user wrote.
“I absolutely love it Ms. Biden, just as we have shown the love for your playful, creative side and your arts,” said another.
“Everyone should have Dr. “Thank Jill Biden for bringing Christmas back to the White House after Melania destroyed it,” one user also said.
In November, Dr. Biden, she wants
Everyone who visits the White House during the holidays should feel like a child again.
“Each room is designed to capture that pure, unfiltered joy and imagination,” so visitors “see this time of year through the beautiful, sparkling eyes of children,” the first lady said as she kicked off a month of holiday receptions.
Around 100,000 visitors are expected for the holidays.
Jill Biden said it was “so amazing” to see the Christmas tree on the East Wing entrance as they returned from Thanksgiving in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
“When Joe and I saw this last night, we were just fascinated,” she said.
The whimsical set of oversized decorations is designed to inspire feelings of awe and wonder that will put children in a joyful mood during the holidays, White House officials said.
On two public floors of the White House, decorations repeatedly commemorate the 200th anniversary of the publication of the poem and book commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
The papier-mâché reindeer hung in the foyer are “so cool,” she said. “It's like they're jumping off the pages of the storybook.” I don't know what you think about that. I just think it's breathtaking.'
The Library of Congress provided sample editions of the book from the last 200 years, which are displayed in protective cases in the first floor hallway.
The traditional White House gingerbread house includes a large sugar cookie replica of the open book that reads, “Merry Christmas to all and goodnight to all.” Santa's sleigh and reindeer also fly above the White House cookie.
National Guard families who joined the first lady as part of her Joining Forces initiative to support military families were among the first members of the public to see the awards.
The children of these and other military families were also treated to a performance by the cast of the North American tour of the Disney musical “Frozen.”
One of the first Christmas trees visitors see upon entering the White House is decorated with wooden gold star ornaments engraved with the names of fallen service members.