Hello my darling dears, and welcome back to Pink-tutu.com! It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time travelling guide to the glamorous, fabulous, and endlessly inspiring world of drag! Now, grab a glass of something fizzy and settle in, darlings, because this month’s journey is one that'll leave you sparkling! We’re off to New York City on May 5th, 1950, the very day I stepped through the shimmering portal in my magic pink tutu…and oh my stars, the stories I have!
As you all know, New York has always been a beacon for bold performers, and 1950 was no different. Stepping onto the glittering, brightly lit streets of New York felt like entering a fabulous movie set - all glittering neon signs and fast paced life. I felt an energy in the air, an unspoken electric anticipation that was exhilarating and made me practically leap into the heart of it all.
But first, my loves, we need to talk about fashion. And when we say fashion, we're talking DRAG! 1950s New York fashion was everything and it seeped its way into drag. I’m talking extravagant hats that could have moonlighted as disco balls, dramatic, flowy dresses, all accentuated by stunning makeup with heavy eyeliner, strong lips and cheekbones that could cut glass. It was truly a sight to behold.
My dear diary, let’s talk about the drag queens. 1950’s drag in NYC was primarily what we might call "male impersonation drag" and in a word, darling, it was FABULOUS. These queens, these real icons of drag, took feminine performance to an art form, a form they absolutely dominated. And when I saw them perform, darling, I nearly swooned. There was an inherent theatre in every glance, in every step. It wasn't just about mimicking femininity; it was about exceeding it.
Of course, where there was a glamorous show, I simply had to be in the audience, sipping champagne, twirling in my pink tutu, and savoring the sheer deliciousness of it all. That's how I ended up at the legendary Copa Cabana! Now, darlings, the Copa was the hottest nightclub in all of New York. It was THE place to be seen and for an aspiring drag queen, what more could one ask for? I got all gussied up, donned my biggest, glitziest, pinkest feather boa and let the magic begin.
That evening at the Copa was beyond my wildest dreams. There was live music, the best in the city, that filled the air with a joyful melody that pulsed with rhythm and life. And then, there was the dance floor, which throbbed with life as everyone swayed to the music and drank in the joy.
My heart raced with excitement, I'd never seen such an explosion of vibrant energy! And then, she came on stage, the stunning and inimitable Rose LaPalm, a queen known for her theatrical flair, larger than life personality, and a fierce confidence that demanded attention. I remember the roaring applause, the dazzling gowns that flowed around her like liquid silk. She mesmerized us all, and by the time her performance ended, the entire room was on its feet, screaming and applauding.
As I stepped back onto the cobblestones of NYC that night, it wasn't just the neon lights and bustling energy I took in, but the fierce, proud spirit of these pioneers who paved the way for so many fabulous queens today. They had created an artform that embraced creativity, individuality and challenged gender norms with fierce joy. Their boldness, their flamboyance, it was inspiring and made my own passion for drag glow even brighter.
Now, you may be asking yourselves, how can you be a part of this drag history? Well, it’s time for the pink tutu challenge, my lovelies! Why not give pink a chance, even just for a day? It might seem silly, even outlandish, but you might surprise yourself with the boost of confidence, the joy, and even the sense of belonging that wearing a little bit of pink can bring! Remember, I’m living proof that you can wear pink wherever you go, whether it's New York in the 1950s or Derbyshire in 2023!
And who knows, perhaps you’ll find yourself inspired to create a little drag magic of your own.
Until next time, my darlings! Keep sparkling, keep spreading the love of drag and don’t forget, always embrace the pink tutu life!
XOXO Emma.
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