Hello my darling darlings! Emma here, your pink-loving, tutu-obsessed, time-travelling drag queen. And darling, have I got a story for you! Today, October 10th, 1946, was divine! Just you wait till you hear what I discovered...
From Derbyshire to Downtown!
Now, as many of you know, I'm a Derbyshire girl born and bred. You wouldn't believe the reaction when I turned up in a sparkly pink tutu on Matlock Bath Promenade! "Whatever is this fancy dress you're wearing?" they exclaimed. Thankfully, they couldn't get me out of that dazzling sequined confection. But when they got over the shock, I found myself surrounded by a bunch of lovely locals, captivated by my story. It felt like a fabulous impromptu drag show!
Backstage in 1946!
Once they realised I'd hopped into the past (thank you magical tutu!), I explained the wonders of the drag world to these lovely lot! They were mesmerised! You know, dear readers, I think that's when it hit me: sometimes, all it takes is a little glitter and a whole lotta love to open up new worlds.
Then, after a smashing sing-along to "Ain't Misbehavin'," I was off! And boy oh boy did I take a spin! I whipped into my magical tutu, landed on Broadway, NYC in a cloud of pink sparkles. I practically pirouetted off that street, honey, and landed straight in the heart of "La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club!" Can you believe it? This club was just opening it's doors that very night!
The La MaMa Story!
This tiny but powerful space, started by an Italian actress, was to be a mecca for artists. This meant poetry slams, experimental theater, avant-garde everything - a space for artists to be themselves. A space for anything and everything, including fabulous, glorious drag! The space was still brand new - it was raw, a little messy, but brimming with potential. The vibe, darling, was absolutely electric!
It’s All About the Performance!
It just made me think that even back in those days, even without the glitz and glamour, or a million Insta-followers, the world was full of fabulous creatures waiting to find their stage! The energy was palpable! Even back then, people knew that performing, expressing yourself, was vital.
Oh! And that wasn't all, darlings! This same night, way down south, in Georgia, my home state (yes, even us time-travelling queens have roots!), the famous "Black and White Minstrels" show was happening at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta! Talk about an iconic moment in theatrical history. A real mixed bag! On one hand, the minstrel show, with it's racist stereotypes and blackface, was frankly offensive, no sugar coating that, darling! On the other hand, the artistry, the theatricality, the spectacle - it definitely captivated a nation! A true double edged sword, if you ask me!
The World of Drag, Past and Present
That's the thing, you see? Drag isn't just about the makeup, or the wigs, or the feathers, darlings, it's about finding yourself! Finding a voice, and using it to make a statement! Drag has always been a mirror for society, holding up our differences, celebrating our uniqueness.
Now, dear readers, if you are heading to New York this month, then La MaMa's anniversary gala in late October is going to be absolutely magical. Be sure to put it in your diary - if I wasn't already travelling to the future for the launch of drag in the year 2542 ( yes darling! there will be glitter in space - it's glorious!), I would be there, front row, taking it all in.
And remember darlings, wherever you are in the world, wherever you’ve gone today, whatever is going on, take inspiration from La MaMa’s vision, the energy in the room that night, feel that creativity buzzing. And own it! Go out there, strut your stuff, and be bold, be daring, be fabulous!
P.S. I saw a gorgeous hot pink tutu at a vintage shop in Atlanta yesterday - definitely thinking of adding it to my collection!
Now, go forth and sparkle!
Love, Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
