Why Princess Diana’s legendary White House dance with John Travolta almost didn’t happen

A memorable White House evening

The evening’s best-known moment came when she danced with actor John Travolta. They waltzed across the ballroom to music from “Saturday Night Fever,” and the dance lasted 15 minutes, Giller said.

How the dance was arranged

Giller said the Marine Band had been asked to rehearse songs from “Saturday Night Fever” for the state dinner. Social secretary Gahl Burt planned to invite Travolta to dance with Diana after dancing began.

Burt approached Travolta and tapped him on the shoulder, Giller said. He was unsure whether he should accept, but eventually asked Diana to dance after receiving encouragement.

Gown and keepsakes on display

More than 700 artifacts connected to Diana are on display, including the velvet gown designed by Victor Edelstein that she wore at the dinner. The exhibition also features childhood keepsakes and other clothing.

Travolta recalled the moment

Travolta said in a 2021 Esquire Mexico interview that he had not expected to be asked to dance with Diana. He described approaching her as a difficult task, but said leading the dance and making sure they enjoyed themselves came easily.

He later told Dutch television station Één that Nancy Reagan said it was Diana’s wish to dance with him. Travolta also called the encounter a magical moment and said he would never forget it.