But the former president has raised eyebrows for moving to the music during a hymn at a memorial service on Tuesday for the five police officers killed in the Dallas shootings.

Holding hands with his wife, Laura, and Michelle Obama, Mr Bush is seen smiling and dancing while the choir sang "Battle Hymn of the Republic" at the event in the Texas city.

His awkward moves left many on social media cringing and questioning whether his behavior was appropriate given the somber occasion.



"I usually like Bush - but why in the world was he dancing and being goofy during last song? I was cringing," one Twitter user, Roger Cullins, said.

Kelly Byrd tweeted: "George Bush dancing to "Glory Glory Hallelujah" at the #DallasMemorial while smirking makes my heart hurt."

Others noted how the first lady didn`t quite know how to react to Mr Bush`s moves. "The look on Michelle Obama`s face as Bush starts rocking out at a funeral is everything," Steve Silberman said.

And some just found it funny.

"George Bush just made my day: dancing (bopping?) along to "Glory Glory Hallelujah" while holding Michelle Obama`s hand," Brooke Erdmann said.

Mr Bush has broken out the dance moves a number of times in the past, most notably when he joined in with Senegalese performers during an event marking Malaria awareness day at the White House in 2007.

The former president was praised, however, for his speech during the service as he sought to strike a note of unity.

"At times it feels like the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together. Argument turns too easily into animosity," Mr Bush said.

"We do not want the unity of grief nor do we want the unity of fear. We want the unity of hope, affection and high purpose."

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