Hello darling divas, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu! I’m your time-traveling fairy godmother Emma, and this month, my magical pink tutu has whisked me all the way back to 12th December 1950! Buckle up your stilettos, darling, because this trip was a real shocker – in the best way possible, of course!
As usual, my first stop was a little trip to the library, all those archives are absolutely full of fabulous nuggets! This time, I wanted to get a proper feel for the state of drag during 1950 – I knew things were about to get exciting with the rise of drag balls, and I was gagging to see how it all played out! Imagine my joy when I discovered that on this very date, in 1950, the first ever documented drag ball took place! The world is obsessed with "firsts" these days, but there's nothing quite like seeing how drag history was made in these moments!
I swear, this whole thing felt like a scene straight out of a camp classic movie. I pictured it like this – think fabulous vintage gowns, sparkling headbands, and all the fierce drama of a courtroom scene, except this time, it’s just the queens fighting for a crown, baby! The Harlem Drag Ball took place in the heart of Harlem, and, of course, being the absolute icon she is, the amazing Mother of Drag herself, Crystal LaBeija, was present and correct!
My next stop was a quick peek at the London stage. 1950 was the year where the real theatrical stars like Judy Garland were dominating the silver screen, but it was the stage that would eventually give us the kind of platform drag needed to reach those heights. Just imagine the glittering stage lights, the roars of the crowd, the anticipation in the air as a legendary drag performance is about to begin! I would’ve loved to get up close and personal, maybe even try a number!
What a whirlwind tour, wasn’t it? 1950 is practically an entirely new world in terms of what’s happening for the drag scene. This trip just went to show that we’re on a really special journey – one that, thanks to legends like Mother Crystal LaBeija, keeps getting better and more exciting with each step!
I am always saying it: a good trip to the past gives us an exciting look to the future, don't you think? Remember darlings, keep slaying and rocking those tutus, and until next month, be fabulous, be brave and be fierce!
Now, how about a little fun! Let me know in the comments which drag performer you’d love to see on the stage from that era? I'm dying to hear what your choices are!
Love, Emma x
P.S. I'm going to have to pop over to America for my next trip, right? You can follow me on social media! My links are on www.pink-tutu.com, where you can also sign up to the newsletter for exclusive content and insider info! Just think, the most exciting adventures, the most stylish fashion, the hottest news, delivered directly to your inbox, for free. It’s a real good look!
