# Diana and Travolta's White House Dance Almost Didn't Happen

> John Travolta nearly missed dancing with Princess Diana at the White House in 1985.
- Title: Diana and Travolta's White House Dance Almost Didn't Happen
- Summary: John Travolta nearly missed dancing with Princess Diana at the White House in 1985.
- Keywords: princess diana, john travolta, white house, november 9 1985, ronald reagan, nancy reagan, dance, 1985, diana dress, travolta dress, Fox News
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/entertainment/princess-diana-legendary-white-house-dance-john-travolta-almost-didnt-happen
- Author: Stephanie Nolasco
- Published: 2026-11-13T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: princess diana, john travolta, white house, november 9 1985, ronald reagan, nancy reagan, dance, 1985, diana dress, travolta dress, news, politics
## Exhibition Highlights
Princess Diana's iconic dance with John Travolta is featured in a Ronald Reagan Presidential Library exhibition.
## Dance Almost Didn't Happen
John Travolta hesitated to dance with Princess Diana at the White House on November 9, 1985.
## Social Secretary's Role
Social secretary Gahl Burt encouraged Travolta to dance with Diana after speaking with Nancy Reagan.
## Diana's Dance Partners
Diana danced with President Reagan, Clint Eastwood, and Tom Selleck during the White House event.
## Travolta's Nervousness
Travolta admitted he was nervous before approaching Diana and thought she wouldn't ask him to dance.

> I didn't think they'd ask me to dance with her
## Dance Experience
Travolta danced with Diana for 15 minutes at midnight in the White House ballroom.
## Diana's Reaction
Diana accepted Travolta's invitation with a captivating smile and a touch of sadness.

> She spins around and gives me that captivating smile, just a little sad, and accepts my invitation
## Travolta's Reflection
Travolta called the dance one of his life's highlights and Diana's favorite moment in the U.S.
## Nancy Reagan's Role
Nancy Reagan told Travolta Diana wanted to dance with him at midnight.

> It is her wish
## Exhibition Details
The exhibition runs from November 7, 2023 to May 31, 2027 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
## Diana's Legacy
Diana's humanitarian work and global influence are highlighted in the exhibition.
## Key takeaway

John Travolta danced with Princess Diana for 15 minutes at the White House on Nov 9, 1985, after being encouraged by Nancy Reagan.