US President Barack Obama attempts to dance the tango in Argentina during state visit

US president Barack Obama attempted to show off his Latin dance moves on 23 March when he took to the dance floor to tango during his state visit to Argentina.

Video of the moment shows Obama perform the sultry traditional Argentine dance with celebrated female Argentine tango dancer Mora Godoy at an official state dinner hosted by President Mauricio Macri in Buenos Aires.

The US commander-in-chief nervously partook in the dance, which involves various twists and turns with both partners in close proximity with one another. First Lady Michelle Obama was not left out of the act, as she was led through the steps by a male tango dancer.

Obama said earlier in the day his visit to Argentina marked a "new beginning" for Argentine-US relations. But for some the US president's visit has not been so cordial. Obama's visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the coup on 24 March, 1976, that installed right-wing military rule.

In an era when Cold War thinking often put Washington behind right-wing governments in the region, the United States initially backed the 1976-1983 dictatorship, during which as many as 30,000 people were killed.