It is a universal truth that there is something incredibly disconcerting about seeing a politician dance.
The Australian opposition leader Bill Shorten startled the nation on Wednesday when footage was released revealing how he not-quite-shimmied his way through a traditional welcoming ceremony on a visit to the Pacific island nation of Kiribati.
Shorten is hardly alone among world politicians in unwisely stepping out on to the dancefloor in a misguided desire to impress a host, a crowd or, implausibly, the voters. Here are a few of the worst and best efforts.
Boris Yeltsin gets carried away at a Russian rally
The former Russian president, no stranger to public humiliation, needed little encouragement to enter into the spirit of an uptempo folk number.
Julia Gillard on a girls’ night out
Australia’s first female prime minister demonstrated more exuberance than coordination in her early political years.
George W Bush demonstrably does not have rhythm
Former US president George W Bush seemed to know he was about to make a huge mistake, puffing out his cheeks in resignation before capering along unconvincingly to the sounds of a West African dance troupe on a visit to the White House.
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner demolishes Argentina’s reputation
Famous for the tango, not so famous for waving your arms around in random fashion while jogging on the spot. Not until Argentina’s president showed how at a recent campaign rally anyway.
Is there no end to Justin Trudeau’s talents?
Before his recent elevation to Canada’s 23rd prime minister, Justin Trudeau attempted an ambitious bhangra collaboration. Punjabi folk dancing – tick.
Barack Obama: the master
An appearance with Ellen Degeneres in 2007 helped persuade America it was ready to elect its first cool president.
