DANCING AFTER DARK . . . AND UNTIL DAWN.(MAIN)

Byline: Associated Press with staff reports

WASHINGTON -- Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, did a Tennessee waltz to kick off the inaugural galas.

There were 14 such official events throughout the city, a record for any presidential inauguration.

``How exciting it is to be here tonight. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts . . . to have four more years to lead our country in the right direction,'' the vice president, in a tuxedo, told revelers at Tennessee's inaugural ball inside the restored Union Station. Tipper Gore wore a garnet and gold lace gown designed by Jennifer George, who also provided her blue outfit for the …