Hello darlings! Welcome back to the Pink Tutu blog, your one-stop shop for all things fabulous, historical, and - of course - pink! As always, I, your beloved Emma from Derbyshire, am thrilled to be swirling back through time with you all, this time landing on the 11th of November, 1951. This date? Well, it's not just any date! Buckle up your pink tutus and grab your best fan, because this month we're diving into a real drag extravaganza!
But first, a confession. I've been saving this blog post for a while. I needed some time to process my utter astonishment. You see, my darlings, I've just seen something incredible! It's so wonderfully scandalous, it could give the queens of today a run for their glitter. We're talking an epic drag spectacular - an actual drag queen beauty pageant in New York City! Can you believe it? A contest with not just one, but four categories? Can't believe it myself!
The queens weren't strutting down a runway, though, oh no. This pageant took place in the elegant confines of the "Jewel Box," an exquisite theatre located on New York's West 49th Street. It's just stunning, a genuine fairytale palace! They were vying for the coveted title of "Queen of Drag" (ooh, so very apt, wouldn't you say?), with judges being treated to a whole variety of stunning performances. Imagine my joy as I beheld this history-making event through my trusty time-traveling tutu!
But let's get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we? There were four grand categories these talented queens competed in:
The "Tall" Drag: It's all about towering figures in gowns of the highest caliber! Now, I, Emma, wouldn't normally advocate for so much "tallness", it's rather trying to maintain my tutu while soaring to these heights!
The "Short" Drag: For the petite performers with outfits to stun! Oh darling, can't we all identify with this? One too many celebratory tipples and even my trusty tutu shrinks a little!
The "Evening" Drag: A classically glamorous competition showcasing elegance and elegance alone. And did these ladies deliver! Such elegance! But I did notice a slight issue with their choice of hair pieces. Perhaps we need to have a quick chat about the current trends in hair enhancements and the best options to take it to the next level? (I always suggest "Pink, obviously").
The "Evening & Day" Drag: And last but not least, a dazzling fusion of both daytime charm and night-time flair! A touch of daring and daring, with a dash of... well... more pink, naturally.
I can tell you, darling, it was like stepping straight out of a glamorous, pink-tinged dreamscape! And these queens - oh, how they could drag!
This event took me completely by surprise, but in the best way possible. Now, I'm sure you're all thinking: what else was going on in the world of drag during 1951? Well, a trip to my secret (and oh-so-stylish) book collection in my time machine has revealed a little more information:
1951 seems to have been a year of fabulous transformation in the world of drag. I found mentions of an extraordinary show, "The House of Monte Cristo," playing in New York City. This extravaganza features both male and female impersonators, making it one of the very first examples of an explicitly gender-bending stage production. Can you believe it?! Oh, if only my tutu had been large enough to encompass such brilliance. I think we need a tutu update!
There was also an article I stumbled upon from the "Village Voice," highlighting the impact of female impersonators on popular culture. Now, the magazine isn't using the term "drag" yet, but it's fascinating to see how our beloved queens are starting to make waves beyond just the stage.
And it doesn't stop there!
Did you know there was an exclusive group of gay male artists living together in a Greenwich Village apartment? They called it "The Gemstone Group," and they weren't just creating art but staging daring performance art too. (Now, you know that a performance art installation will never truly work without an appropriate shade of pink) What incredible energy must have buzzed within those walls! I imagine them crafting their creations, discussing the latest "fashion" (of the moment, mind you, nothing even comes close to my fabulous outfits), all the while sharing their creativity and their stories! It was an inspiring space!
But now it's time to wrap up for this month. This time travel through 1951 has really made me feel the strong connection we all have as drag performers, even across generations and decades. It's like that feeling you get when a certain melody of a song fills the air and you just have to belt out the next verse - all that energy is truly a special, irreplaceable connection.
I've been inspired and my heart is full!
Before you leave, do promise me you'll try wearing a pink tutu sometime soon! It truly will revolutionize your world! Remember to check back next month for another captivating time-traveling journey in the world of "Pink Tutu" Drag History!
Remember darlings, you are unique, and your shine deserves to be seen.
Yours in glitter and twirling,
Emma
