Hello, my darling darlings! Emma here, your favourite time-travelling, tutu-twirling blogger, back with another fabulous trip into the dazzling history of drag. Today, I’m whisking us back to December 12th, 1953 – get your pink pom poms ready for some high-kicking drama!
Post 408: The Glam of 1953
This time, my fabulous frock of choice is a bright pink, feathered tutu – it’s the perfect outfit for the dazzling New York City nights I’m about to experience. Think dazzling sequins, feathers, and a pink bow that would make even the Queen jealous. Don’t worry, my dearest readers, no time machine hiccups this month - everything's working like a well-rehearsed dance routine!
Before I step through the swirling pink portals of my magic tutu, let’s chat a bit about this historical date. December 12th, 1953… it was the year that everyone in Derbyshire, my home county, was all agog over the latest television programme, "The Coronation Street"! But what about the rest of the world? I bet it’s brimming with glittery surprises, isn’t it?
Finding the Glitter:
As my time-travel tutu whisks me back, I see New York City is practically bursting with glitz! Let's get this straight: it’s a year before the groundbreaking ‘Drag Ball’ held in the Palladium – a monumental event in the history of drag! Imagine it - all those flamboyant figures parading down that dance floor, a celebration of individuality in all its gorgeous, over-the-top glory! But for tonight, we’re dipping our toes into the glittering underworld of this year’s drag scene – oh, darling, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
My journey starts with a delightful little spot on the Lower East Side called ‘The Bamboo Lounge.’ It’s like a secret world of colour and music, a real sanctuary for the drag community of the era. Picture this - it’s like a hidden jewel of the city, complete with velvet curtains, dimly lit booths, and enough sparkles to make a disco ball blush! It’s here, where we find the hidden treasures of drag! It's like the early seeds of what we see today on our fabulous screens! I hear the music is swinging with soulful melodies, and there’s a lot of chatter about fashion, film, and, of course, drag! This is where dreams take shape, and legendary performers gather to swap tales and hone their talent - and oh honey, talent is flowing tonight.
Legends in the Making
It seems like everyone knows each other in this hidden den of divas! There’s ‘The Lady Divine’ - I hear whispers that she’s destined for bigger stages. She has such captivating stage presence - every wink, every dance move is filled with magic, and the crowd loves her! Then there’s 'Sparkle' - think bright feathers and glamorous gowns. I’m told her routines are filled with daring moves and a whole lot of sass – what a glamorous spectacle! It’s truly heartening to witness such creativity in the earliest stages. Just think of the history we’re walking into - a world before social media, a world where these talented people were just discovering their place in a society full of complexities.
It’s in moments like these, surrounded by the spirit of early drag, that you feel a powerful wave of emotion. The community, the support, the energy that burns bright - It’s what makes the history of drag so endlessly fascinating. And darling, don’t even get me started on the fabulousness of the outfits. The creativity of this era was phenomenal. The performers weren't just expressing themselves, they were creating art - crafting unique ensembles, often repurposed with the ultimate glam! I have a feeling the 1950s are the perfect era to explore.
What's Happening Around the World:
While I’m enjoying my time in New York, I want to bring you the lowdown on some global happenings on December 12th, 1953. Hold onto your fascinators, because we're about to jet across the globe with our imaginations!
In the UK, the ‘House of Commons’ had their final session before the Christmas break. Talk about a big difference to our times. Just imagine a bunch of fellas getting all official and fancy in their suits while we’re rocking our glitter and gowns! There's also some news about "a controversial article in the paper." I won't delve into it - it's just some serious news and isn’t the best kind of news, love, but just so you know!
The headlines say, "The news of the day is a bit gloomy," but don't worry, honey - it's only news. We can always make our own news in the world of pink tutus! It doesn’t sound very glam but the best thing about drag history is how many different experiences the queens, kings, and everyone else experience – not always sunshine and roses, darling!
And the world moves on…
Our time travel adventure in 1953 New York has reached its end. As I say farewell to the ‘The Bamboo Lounge,’ and its captivating artists, I can't help but feel inspired. It reminds us of the power of self-expression, the power of pushing boundaries, and the endless creativity within each of us. It shows the important roles early queens and kings have had, especially at a time when drag wasn’t as widely accepted as it is today. Their legacy reminds us how vital drag is to the ever-evolving landscape of creativity. And that, darling, is something worth celebrating.
Don’t forget to visit the website, www.pink-tutu.com! Let me know your thoughts on the post and, of course, be sure to leave a comment below if you want to chat about any of the fab things I discovered on this particular time-travel adventure.
Till next time, lovelies, remember to twirl, sparkle, and always be bold!
Xoxo,
Emma xx
