Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! This month, I'm taking you all back to 5th May 1957, the day that we’re going to explore the wonderful world of drag from the past! Pink Tutu will take me there with a swish and a twirl, and this month's journey's all about the legendary Christies Minstrels!
Right, gather round you lovelies. It’s time for another story! This month, Pink Tutu is landing us in the heart of New York City. We're taking a look at the fabulous Christies Minstrels on May 5th, 1957. This was one of the biggest drag shows in the city at the time, known for their outrageous outfits and incredible performances!
Now, you fabulous lot will know I love a good outfit, and oh boy, these queens really knew how to bring the camp and glamour! I can just imagine all the feathers and rhinestones shimmering in the spotlight as the queens shimmied across the stage!
But before I spill the tea on the fabulous shows, I just gotta give you some context!
You see, back then, drag was still on the fringe. It wasn’t mainstream in the way we see it now. In fact, these shows often had to be held in secret and faced constant pressure from the law. It’s a good thing I have my magical time-traveling Pink Tutu, so I don't have to worry about getting busted by the fuzz!
But darling, don't you worry, it was well worth the risk. These queens were true pioneers! They pushed the boundaries and challenged expectations, all for the love of performance and art. It wasn't easy to be a drag queen back then, but these ladies did it with style and grace, with a bit of extra rhinestones, naturally!
Now let's chat about those fab shows! The Christies Minstrels put on some ridiculously dazzling performances. I'm talking show-stopping numbers, extravagant costumes, and a whole lot of laughter!
The shows themselves were a blend of cabaret and stand-up, with comedy sketches, songs, and even dance routines! Can you believe it? Drag queens performing dance routines! They didn't let anything stand in their way. It was all about celebrating freedom, embracing individuality, and being simply fabulous. And they certainly knew how to wow an audience, believe you me!
The Christies Minstrels played an important part in making drag more widely known. They broke down barriers and created a sense of community amongst the queer folks in the city.
Can you imagine, darling? A whole bunch of pink-tutu-clad ballerinas, dancing the night away and bringing joy to their communities? Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it! Well, that’s exactly what they did! It makes me all teary eyed, and gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!
Now, since you amazing peeps know I adore fashion, I just HAVE to talk about the costumes! You could tell those drag queens knew how to put on a show! Their fabulous costumes had feathers, sequins, glitter and rhinestones all over the place.
Oh, and the makeup! Absolutely stunning! Contouring, bold colours, false lashes galore - a true testament to creative brilliance!
These queens, these absolute legends, did so much for drag, especially in 1957, where it was an uncertain, often misunderstood, art.
And the story doesn't end there! It gets better, lovelies! After the Christies Minstrels, there was an explosion of drag shows all over the country, particularly on the East Coast. It was a time of great change and growth for drag, paving the way for the vibrant and inclusive world we know today!
As I time travel, I take the time to learn about the incredible artists that paved the way for us. Seeing them, listening to them, learning about their lives - it's the most incredible privilege! And to think they did all of this under these conditions - truly awe-inspiring.
And if we’re all gonna go back in time, there's just one question we must ask! Where will we be on May 5th, 1957? Well, darlings, Pink Tutu has an invitation to a private, secret gathering at one of the legendary Christies Minstrels shows. You best believe I will be shimmering in my pink tulle as we all stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this amazing, courageous group of people, doing what they loved: celebrating life, art and all things fabulous!
And just a reminder: If you love drag as much as I do, head over to my site, www.pink-tutu.com, to find out about all the upcoming events and see how you can get involved in the world of drag!
Until next month, my darlings.
XOXO
Emma (in Pink Tutu)
