Body language expert makes unexpected observation about Melania Trump's inaugural dance with army sergeant

A human behaviour expert has assessed the now-viral footage of Melania Trump slow dancing with an army sergeant at her husband's inauguration ball earlier this week.

Speaking exclusively to Tyla, body language observer Inbaal Honigman noted the difference in the First Lady's mannerisms during the performance - compared to when she danced with her other half Donald - and has made some rather eyebrow-raising revelations.

For those out of the loop, after the Republican leader was sworn in as the 47th president of the US on Monday (20 Jan), a celebratory Commander-in-Chief ball was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

During the soiree - which was attended by several world leaders, politicians, and military personnel - Melania was asked to dance by Sergeant Henry Waller, while Trump took the hand of Sergeant Tatiana Saldana from the United States Space Force.

New vice president JD Vance also took to the dance floor with his wife Usha, after which several other attending couples joined in.

Waller was later asked by press about his moment with the first lady, explaining: "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 was also asked if Melania was a 'good dancer', going on to respond, 'Oh, yeah, she's a really good dancer,' and noting that the 'only rehearsing' he did for the dance was 'back home with [his] wife'.

Both photographs and footage from the night in question have since gone viral online, with many commenting on the smile splashed across 54-year-old Melania's face.

"She just lights up when she’s around normal good people", one said.

An expert claimed there is a different to Melania's expression when she dances with her husband (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

Others claimed there is a difference between the mannerisms shown by the mother-of-one when in Waller's company, compared with Trump.

"Anyone ever see her smile at Trump like that?", another commented.

And according to body language expert Honigman, this is an apt observation.

"When we see the First Lady dancing with her husband, she's doing her First Lady duty," she told Tyla this week on behalf of Covers.

"Her face is neutral some of the time, smiling in a standard smile some of the time. There's no indication of unhappiness, as her smile is bright and genuine, but at times her thoughts wander.

"We can see that her thoughts wander when she lowers her eyes momentarily, or when her smile drops."

Then, when discussing Waller 'cutting in', Honigman noted: "Melania's smile is certainly broad and delighted at being asked to dance, and that is clear and unhidden.

"There's no question that it's a happier smile than the one she was wearing just moments before, with her husband."

The professional then spoke of a 'subtle' 'hidden gesture' of her feelings in her 'almost imperceptible hair flick'.

Melania was invited to dance by the army man (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

"When the officer places his arm around her for the dance, The First Lady tilts her head back and swishes her hair from side to side," Honigman went on. "This is a confident sign of allure, and can even be seen as flirtation.

"It's a tiny, attention-grabbing move, which happens when someone wants to be liked."

She concluded: "Just before the dance, there's an awkward moment - both Melania and the officer's hands move left and right swiftly, trying to figure out how they'll dance.

"This awkwardness tells us that they're both a little nervous, but their nerves soon evaporate."

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