Hello darlings! It’s your favourite time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, fresh from another fabulous foray into history! And guess what? This month, I’ve landed smack-dab in the middle of a right corker of a date – May 5th, 1958! You see, my dearest readers, this date is practically bursting with drag deliciousness!
You know I’ve got the biggest heart for history and all its delightful intricacies, particularly when it comes to the divine history of drag!
Before I jump into the sizzling 1958 scene, let’s have a quick chat about the journey here, because, darlings, it’s been a beeautiful adventure. You know how my magical time-travelling tutu works, right? A twirl and a wish and boom – off I go! This month, I must say, it decided to make a stop at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul! Honestly, you wouldn't believe the exquisite silk and lace fabrics I got my hands on - it’s going straight into the next tutu design!
So, picture this, my loves: I'm all dressed up in my hot pink, tulle-tastic creation, swirling around the crowded marketplace, attracting quite the curious glance. A few cheeky chuckles, some polite smiles, and, of course, a good old-fashioned stare. But darling, this is the beauty of travel – different cultures, different understandings, all bundled up in one delightful tapestry!
Speaking of tapestry, darling, 1958 is nothing short of a dazzling one, especially for our beloved drag scene! Remember, this was a time of burgeoning change, when the world was starting to loosen its grip on some of the more restrictive attitudes – not to say it was all sunshine and rainbows, but there were certainly seeds of progress being sown.
Let's dive into the drag-tastic day in question, shall we? It's all about showcasing the hidden treasures of the drag scene in a bygone era, those daring performers who dared to be different and make their own glorious mark on the world.
Firstly, in New York, one of my all-time favourite queens, Tempest Storm, was taking the stage at a swanky nightclub called "The Copacabana!" Now, this place is just the bees knees. Known for its chic crowd, top-notch acts, and a level of glitz and glamour you'd barely believe, the Copa was one of the must venues in town.
Imagine Tempest, draped in sparkling sequins, feather boas dancing around her shoulders, all eyes on her as she sashayed across the stage. My dearest reader, you just have to try and envision that, just for a moment!
It wasn’t just Tempest though. This glorious date, my darlings, also marks the opening night of "The Queen's Cross" nightclub in New Orleans. You see, in 1958, the drag scene was taking shape in various locations across the US. And it wasn’t just on the stages, darling! The fashion! Oh, the fashion! Remember, my lovelies, we were on the precipice of the swinging '60s, a time when flamboyant style truly began to shine through. I'm talking all things bold, from dazzlingly bright dresses to vibrant headpieces and even a touch of rebellious menswear.
And while we’re chatting about America, it wouldn’t be a true celebration of the era without a cheeky nod to the blossoming underground queer scene in the San Francisco Bay Area! It was a vibrant and passionate community, brimming with artistic expression, starting to gain momentum. It's important to note that many of these performances took place in hidden corners – clandestine bars and intimate gatherings, a time when queer artists truly understood the need to build safe spaces for themselves, forging connections through art and expression, forging communities of defiance and self-expression.
So, you see, my darlings, this day, this wonderful 5th of May 1958, is a reminder of the constant and magnificent journey of drag. Each era has its unique rhythm, its vibrant soul, its captivating expression.
You know, dear readers, after my little adventure in 1958, I got to thinking - why do we wait for an occasion to celebrate the flamboyant world of drag? Why can’t we bring back the spirit of those bygone days and celebrate every single day with a pinch of pink, a touch of glitter, and the purest, most authentic expression of ourselves? It’s all about taking that tiny step out of our comfort zones, grabbing the world with open arms, and embracing all its colorful contradictions. So, darlings, let's not just wear pink tutus, let's live in pink tutus! Let's wear them loud and proud and remind everyone of the magic and beauty within. It's a reminder to embrace the unique flavour of our personal journeys, and find that inner light which sparkles like the brightest, most dazzling jewel.
And, oh! One last bit of fabulousness: did I tell you that I'm performing this week at a glamorous gala, showcasing my newest design for the "Glitter & Glory" show in London? And to add to the dazzlingness, guess who's going to be at the show? None other than our darling queen, Trixie Mattel! Yes, you heard right! You know, just another typical day in the exciting, chaotic, fabulous life of a time-travelling ballerina!
But enough about me, my loves! Tell me, what do you think? Are you excited about this time-travel blog? Have you worn a pink tutu yet? Do tell, my darlings!
Don't forget, if you haven’t checked it out yet, visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com! It's chock-full of exciting posts about the history of drag, fabulous fashion inspiration, and lots of pink-tastic goodness! And, my lovelies, remember: You can always contact me at [email protected]!
Love and sparkle,
Emma x
