Hiya darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where time is fluid, tutus are plentiful, and every day is a chance to sprinkle some sparkle into the universe. This month, we're twirling our way back to March 3rd, 1958, for a fabulously flamboyant journey into the glorious world of drag.
It's your gal Emma, the self-proclaimed Queen of the Pink Tutu, coming at you with another fabulous post! This time around, my magical pink tutu has whisked me back to a time when bobby socks were all the rage and the first ever Drag Ball was being dreamed up. That's right, darlings, history was in the making and, frankly, the anticipation of the future was just as exciting as a pair of brand new platform heels!
What was a fabulous drag queen doing in 1958?
That's the question I always ask myself when my magical tutu sends me hurtling through the ages. But worry not, dears! The world of drag was bubbling with exciting whispers, waiting for its moment to bloom into the spectacle we know and love today. Back then, drag balls weren't yet the organised celebrations we have now. Think underground, secret soirees filled with a raw energy and excitement for self-expression!
On the 3rd of March 1958, some incredible performers were doing their thing - albeit in different ways to the glamour we experience today. The Harlem Drag Ball was only a glimmer in someone's fabulous eye, and whilst we didn't have drag superstars plastered across the front pages, there were drag acts popping up in bars, clubs, and even some daring, underground theater productions!
Now, I've always been one for a bit of theatrics. The larger than life, the camp, the glamorous, it's what makes drag so unique. So when I imagine drag performances in 1958, it was likely much more subtle than we see now. Think impressive make up skills honed for the stage, maybe a touch of glitter, but still embracing the thrill of a drag persona and daring to be different. It’s truly fascinating!
A sneak peek at the drag world in 1958!
Picture it: a small, smoke-filled bar in Greenwich Village. The stage is lit dimly, showcasing a gorgeous, glittery drag queen named Venus in an exquisite, hand-sewn gown that could rival any Hollywood premiere! She's pouring her heart and soul into a heartbreaking ballad, a melody that melts even the toughest hearts in the crowd. You can feel the magic hanging in the air, every flicker of a cigarette lighter reflecting a different kind of beauty - the beauty of sheer talent and fearless expression!
Speaking of talent, the legendary, groundbreaking Jackie Curtis (who'd later find fame in downtown New York's art scene) was working hard behind the scenes, honing her own incredible performance skills. Although not famous yet, she's destined for a career in acting, writing, and even performing as a drag queen under the name "Holly Woodlawn!" Now isn’t that a story?
Where's my pink tutu going next?
I just have to tell you all, it was an absolutely glorious trip back to 1958, filled with so much joy and inspiration! As for me? Well, I’ve been saving this juicy tidbit for the end: my magical pink tutu will soon be taking me back to the glamorous era of the 1980s, the decade where the world truly saw drag take its rightful place on the global stage. Can you believe it?! It’s enough to make a girl's feather boa blush.
Don't forget!
Keep a peep on this space. My blog, "www.pink-tutu.com" gets a sparkly new post every month, full of drag history tidbits, time travel tales and more than enough glitter to keep you entertained till next time! So go on then, sprinkle a little joy, slip on your favourite pink tutu, and get ready to strut!
See you all in the next one!
Lots of love, Emma xx 💖
