Hiya darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time-travelling queen! It's May the 5th and as usual, your favourite time-hopping ballerina is ready to dazzle you with another slice of drag history. Get those tiaras adjusted and let's do this!
Today, my lovely dears, I'm heading back to the glorious year 1956! Imagine it - poodle skirts, Elvis shaking his hips, and drag queens doing their thing... well, maybe not in the limelight just yet, but the spirit of drag was absolutely bubbling under the surface, trust me!
My magical pink tutu whisked me away (thank you, darling, for your ever-so-fabulous powers!), and dropped me in a swanky, smoke-filled cabaret bar in New York City. The air crackled with excitement as a talented drag performer known as Miss Kiki LaFemme took to the stage. Think dazzling sequins, feathers, and a voice that could melt butter, all with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. I tell you, this queen was fierce!
Miss Kiki wasn't the only one making waves, darling! In London's Soho, Madame Evangeline, a glamorous transgender performer with a heart of gold, was entertaining a crowd with her quick wit and captivating stage presence. Think high-camp comedy, fierce makeup, and an undeniable sense of glamour.
While the drag scene in America and the UK was blossoming, there was a whisper of excitement all the way in Australia! A group of fabulous drag queens in Sydney called The Flaming Flamingos were taking their first tentative steps into the world of drag, doing their first performance at a private club. Their bright, vibrant, and playful performances brought smiles to everyone's faces and planted the seeds for the explosion of Australian drag that was to come.
But the drag queens weren't the only ones putting on a show! There were, of course, tons of ballet performances happening around the world! One that caught my attention was a breathtaking rendition of Swan Lake in London. The ethereal beauty, the precision of the dancers, and the timeless story - just perfect! I couldn't help but channel the grace and beauty of these ballerinas into my own performance later on in the evening, and my pink tutu practically twirled itself to life!
Speaking of performance, my own fabulous fundraising gig at the "Royal Blush" club in Derby was a smash! A full house, my usual glittering pink tutu (naturally!), and enough tips to fuel another of my epic time travels - what's a queen to do? After the show, my drag sisters and I indulged in a cheeky celebratory drink at a nearby tea room (think fancy cakes, floral prints, and lashings of sugar - so chic!), and I even snagged a gorgeous new hat that I knew would look divine paired with my pink tutu for my next drag extravaganza.
So, as you can see, my darlings, even in the 50s, drag was a force to be reckoned with, a beacon of creative expression and sheer fabulousness. The world was bursting with dazzling talent, each performer unique and remarkable in their own right. Just goes to show that drag has always been about celebrating individuality, pushing boundaries, and above all, having a roaring good time.
Speaking of fun, I can't wait to share my next drag queen adventure with you. Stay tuned, my lovely darlings, and until next time, may your days be filled with glitter, laughter, and endless pink tutus!
Love always,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
