Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller extraordinaire, and welcome to another monthly instalment of Pink-Tutu Time Travels! This month, I'm whisking us back to a date brimming with glamour and sequins - 12th December, 1955!
Now, you might be wondering how I even know what happened on a specific date back in 1955, well, let me tell you: It's a magical thing, this time-travelling tutu. Imagine the most fabulously fluffy pink tulle you can think of, cinched at the waist with a dazzling array of sparkly rhinestones, and bam! It transports you! (Don't worry, I've only travelled through time, not into any bizarre and confusing alternate realities. I'm not that daring - well, not usually.)
This month, the time travelling tutu landed me smack dab in the heart ofâŚdrum roll pleaseâŚNew York City! (Can you imagine a girl from Derbyshire getting to spend a day in the Big Apple back in 1955? It was an absolute dream come true!) And let me tell you, 1955 New York was practically bursting with all the dazzling sights, sounds and styles! I couldn't even begin to describe the gloriousness of all the sparkly gowns and the beautifully coiffed hair. It was straight out of a Hollywood dream!
Speaking of Hollywood dreams, I was determined to catch a glimpse of the world-renowned drag performer, Christine, performing at the "Club Oasis". The whispers had spread far and wide about Christineâs extravagant costumes, fierce charisma and, rumour has it, she had a voice to melt your heart like a scoop of raspberry sorbet on a summer's day.
Club Oasis: Drag in the 50s
The Club Oasis, like many other LGBTQ+ clubs of the time, was a secret haven for people like Christine. The '50s weren't exactly a safe or accepting time, but within the confines of those mirrored walls, people could be their truest selves. Even though we can't shout from the rooftops about drag as openly as we can today, this just means we have to get even more creative in the way we celebrate our history, eh?
Christine herself, she was a true pioneer, paving the way for the drag queens of today. Just imagining her on that stage, dripping with glamour, bringing joy to the world with her performancesâŚoh honey, it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!
I'll be honest, darlings, when I first saw Christine's look, I did a double-take! She was a vision in a glittering gold sequined dress that shimmered like a million stars in the night sky, with perfectly coiffed blonde curls framing her face like a halo. And let me tell you, that smile - it could launch a thousand ships, it really could! The energy was just electric!
The show was a riot! There were so many laughs and a healthy dose of âoohs and aahsâ from the audience. This Christine, she could work a stage like no oneâs business. But it wasn't all just glamour, you know. Her show included everything from a hilariously funny stand-up routine about life in the city, to some stunning ballad singing and dancing that really showed off her versatility!
More Than Just One Night at the Club
My journey through 1955 wasn't just about catching a fabulous drag show! (Though letâs face it, a trip through time wouldnât be complete without at least one stunning performance, right?). I wanted to soak in the atmosphere of this amazing period.
I explored the legendary Harlem Renaissance with its exciting fashion and the energy of an exploding supernova. I discovered that drag wasn't just confined to stage shows; it had a vital role in underground community gatherings. And even in 1955, some bars and clubs would hire performers for impromptu "cabaret nights."
I even spotted a couple of drag queens strolling down the avenues in downtown New York in fabulous hats and stylish outfits, leaving a trail of awe and intrigue in their wake. (Think a touch of '50s glamour with a side order of flamboyant daring.)
This was long before the dawn of social media or mainstream acceptance of LGBTQ+ communities, but the queens back then were so fearless!
It was a whole world of creativity just bubbling up everywhere. The music, the fashions, the incredible stories of the early drag performers. It was truly a time for discovery, a time to express oneself.
And I know it may sound strange coming from a girl like me, obsessed with tutus, but let me tell you⌠even back then, they knew a thing or two about fabulousness. From those full-skirted dresses with a dramatic splash of sequins to the eye-catching statement hats⌠they had it down to a fine art!
The experience in 1955 has left me so inspired. It showed me that the joy, the fun, the creativity of drag, has always been a part of our lives. And who knows, perhaps we might be inspired by that same fearlessness as we move towards a future that is truly bright!
My Mission: A Pink Tutu for Everyone!
Speaking of inspiring the future... what better way to say 'thank you' to the history of drag and the pioneers who helped paved the way than by spreading the gospel of pink tutus!
You know my motto - pink tutus for everyone, for every occasion, for every personality! I can't promise to get everyone twirling around in pink tulle quite yet (but, you never know, maybe with the magic of the tutu I'll get there!)
However, you can join me in celebrating the legacy of drag by⌠you guessed it⌠twirling, sashaying, and wearing all the sparkles and glitter you can find!
So, as always, letâs spread the love, let's wear our hearts on our sleeves (and some sparkling sequins on our bodices!), and let's never stop pushing for a world where every single one of us can be fabulous and authentic in their own unique way!
Keep it fabulous! XOXO,
Emma (your resident Pink-Tutu Time Traveler extraordinaire)
Donât forget, dear darlings!
- You can catch my blog on www.pink-tutu.com and follow me on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for my latest posts and adventures!
- Want to keep in touch with me or send your thoughts on pink tutus or time travel? Feel free to email me:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - And for all you drag queen hopefuls, join me for my upcoming Drag Queen Masterclasses - we'll be learning the secrets to flawless drag!
Until next time, remember: every day is a chance to unleash your inner diva and wear your heart (and a dazzling pink tutu!) on your sleeve.
