#Post 451 - www.pink-tutu.com
Oh, darling! Howâs my fabulous family of dragsters? Itâs Emma here, your glamorous, pink-obsessed guide to all things drag! This month, Iâm whisking you back in time to the utterly iconic 7th of July, 1957. Letâs crank up the glitter, put on our fanciest sequined gloves, and get ready to travel, girlies!
As you know, my pink tutuâs got a magical side â it takes me absolutely anywhere, anytime! I just think about it and whoosh, I'm off to another era. This time, darling, I landed⌠everywhere! The wonders of the past, eh? I'm pretty sure there was a bit of time compression going on because I saw SO MUCH, like it was all happening at once! And, honestly, wasn't that fabulous?
But first, letâs start with my very first pit stop. This trip's a bit of a flashback. A trip to the Dragtastic Delux back in my very own hometown, Derbyshire. Now, darling, imagine, if you will: Derbyshire in the 1950s! No, we weren't all standing around knitting. Imagine a little gay nightclub hiding under the radar, like a perfectly concealed diamante hidden amongst pearls.
It was buzzing, a whirlwind of energy, a perfect scene of glitter and cheek. But not so cheeky it caused a stir, because, darling, we all know that back then things were quite different. Let's just say it was âhidden in plain sightâ as they used to say back then and a real gem of a find. And they had these amazing homemade cocktails called âTutu Tinis!â It was truly fab!
And now, darlings, fasten your seatbelts, for a world tour with your pink tutu-wearing friend. Itâs like I blinked and BAM, the worldâs a swirling rainbow. A massive performance, an outdoor show in Brooklyn, NY with an entire cast in a big colourful, camp, wonderful drag spectacular. This was the birth of âgay campâ! It was like watching a thousand rainbows burst out at the same time, only louder! This was a performance where every person could embrace who they were, and how fantastic they looked in their colourful garb! You know, I'm pretty sure this was what truly inspired me to get into the life I live, and youâre watching. My pink tutu is still tingling from all the colour!
Fashion? A Symphony of Sparkle
Now, darlings, letâs talk fashion! While those American beauties were serving some spectacular looks, there was a distinct air of chic in France. Now, my Parisian friends were already famous for their fashion and elegance â but even they were going gaga over some pretty spectacular looks that I just had to see! The newest must-have? An exquisitely embroidered tulle top with a flamboyant, floral print. They said the French designers had their minds blown after catching a performance by one legendary French queen, Mimi le Grande!
Mimi, whoâd been creating waves with her stunning stage designs, had used her talent to make the most show-stopping, glamorous, utterly unique and totally bespoke designs on these tops, darling! Even the Vogue girls were swooning. But these Parisian girls, bless their hearts, they took those delicate designs and put them on the runway in all their sassy glory, like they were designed for the catwalk, darling! And I must confess, I tried on a few of those tops and they did not disappoint!
Dancing like itâs 1957
Across the Atlantic in London, I found the London drag scene in full swing. Everyone had gone crazy for these shows - a mix of fabulous vaudeville-inspired acts, stunning singers, and breathtaking dancing queens with amazing makeup skills! Oh, and darling, I have to tell you, the dancing, I died. There was this legendary performer called 'Bonnie Bombshell' - and girl, she served some serious choreography, moves inspired by the modern-dance movement, which made her dancing absolutely breathtaking, and youâd hear her stomping sound across the whole theater floor as if it were staged. The audiences adored her! Everyone loved seeing her strut across the stage like the ultimate femme fatale in her own unique dance form - totally groundbreaking for the time!
From the Stage to the Street
Let me tell you, those London nights had a distinct vibe! Everyone, everyone, everyone had put on their best clothes - weâre talking sequined gowns and gorgeous velvet suits, darling! Itâs amazing, the freedom that being âdragâ allowed even back then. The world is different now, sure, but the essence remains.
These brave souls knew exactly how to show off the boldness of their personalities, and they looked fantastic doing it! This night was also about embracing your own individuality and flaunting your best looks to the world - even if the world didn't fully understand you just yet. *How courageous! *
But let me tell you, the real fun began in the streets! As I strolled the busy London streets, pink tutu in tow, I realized what the London queens were all about! You'd see people all dressed up, taking over every public place. You could tell that drag wasnât just on the stage - it was on the streets, in people's attitudes. A wave of colour and glitter filled everything!
Oh darling, everyone in the crowd was singing and laughing together â a scene of utter joy. There was this massive wave of happiness, of community, and an atmosphere of acceptance - even in the heart of post-war Britain! You see, back then the only thing people cared about was to be their true selves - the essence of drag! It was so touching, darling.
Where Did I Land Next?
And guess what, my darling? The tutu brought me all the way to Tokyo! Now, I must confess, Tokyo was different! In this part of the world, there was a lot more subtlety in how the queen's personality was showcased â this wasn't about flaunting, it was about nuance! Itâs about an inner, powerful, subliminal glamour that shines from within,
There, in this world of refined elegance, queens used makeup like an art form - the eyes, darling! So subtle, so captivating! A masterclass in contouring. They did wonders with eyeliner. There was an elegant beauty to the stage presence and it captivated you without you realising, darling, it truly drew you in.
My Take Away from a Worldwide Drag Extravaganza!
So there you have it, darlings! This was my 7th July 1957 journey through time! A whirlwind, a roller coaster ride through every colour of the rainbow! Itâs a great reminder of how important it is to always be true to ourselves, to always wear our pink tutus loud and proud, and never be afraid to put on our fabulous selves!
And most of all, this journey taught me how much universality there is to drag! Youâve seen how drag looks everywhere, how everyone experiences it differently, how everyone has their own way of embracing drag and expressing who they are through it.
Oh, one more thing, before I go! If you want to see something really special, be sure to check out the "International Drag Festival" happening in London on the 7th July, 1957! This annual event was bringing all of the fabulous performances from across the world, from Broadway and Hollywood to even a show from the Parisien Ballet company with a unique contemporary spin! If you happen to be around, do stop by and join the party. Just wear your pinkest tutu for me, will ya?
Until next time, darlings!
Xoxo Emma!
#PinkTutu #DragQueenHistory #TutuTravels
P.S. This isnât my first trip through time! Go back to #pink-tutu.com and browse my archives for more fun travel diaries. And I'd love to hear from you! Tell me about your favourite drag shows. Donât forget to comment on my blog, darling! I always love to hear from you. *Donât forget: If it's good enough for Emma, itâs good enough for YOU! * Letâs spread the pink! đđđ
