Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling drag queen, back with another blast from the past! Today's journey takes us back to June 6th, 1958, a time of poodle skirts, Elvis, andā¦ drumrollā¦ a very important drag moment that changed everything!
Oh, but first, let's have a spot of tea! I've got a rather divine teapot with a picture of Liberace on it, perfect for sipping on while we get into the juicy gossip of 1958. Now, where did I put those fairy cakesā¦?
Right! So, this past June 6th was a Wednesday, the start of a regular work week for most people. I imagine the men were rushing to work, looking dashing in their sharp suits and fedora hats. The ladies were likely whipping up a batch of that scrumptious 1950s chocolate cake (I might just try a recipe, who knows, I may be a fabulous baker in my spare time, after my world-renowned pink tutu making business of course)!
But let's talk drag, darlings! 1958 was a time when the world of drag was mostly shrouded in mystery, but it was brewing! This era was about those iconic queens who dared to dream big and showcase their artistry on a local level. We're talking vaudeville, theatrical performances with full drag, costumes so intricate they'd make your wig fly off!
For example, have you heard of "The Amazing Colossal Woman"? This captivating performance by Lola Montes in 1958 (not quite the June 6th weāre discussing today, but trust me, itās juicy!), was sensationally flamboyant, a stunning display of costume, performance, and an unforgettable spectacle that became synonymous with the evolving art of drag. Talk about trailblazing, right?!
Remember, the 1950s wasn't always sunshine and rainbows for drag. Sadly, it was often viewed with suspicion and prejudice. However, drag queens continued to fight against the stigma, celebrating their artistic freedom and expressing themselves through performance, a rebellion against societal expectations.
Now, let's take a trip through time and delve into what might have been happening in the world of drag on this very date!
Imagineā¦ a dusty back-alley club in New York City. Smoke haze hangs heavy in the air. A dimly lit stage with faded velvet curtains is illuminated by a single spotlight. A spotlight that illuminates a dazzling figure dressed in feathers and sequins. This queen might be lip-synching to a tune from the legendary Connie Francis or a Broadway show number, her performance bringing a ray of sunshine to the lives of her audience. It was these kinds of clandestine gigs, and those behind the scenes working in showrooms, which were essential for growing a drag scene, often creating their own family and networks.
Meanwhile, in London's West End, a theater performance of "South Pacific" was running at the Drury Lane Theatre. Imagine some glamorous queens getting dolled up in their finest attire, mimicking the elegance of Mitzi Gaynor, the iconic leading lady in the show! Can you just see their glamour radiating under those gorgeous chandeliers?
This era was all about pushing boundaries, testing limits and breaking down stereotypes. Even though drag queens might not have had the fame and recognition of today, their sheer spirit and artistry paved the way for the incredible drag world we experience today!
Speaking of boundaries and spiritā¦ that's exactly what inspired me to write āPink Tutu Rules", my groundbreaking, bestselling book on pink tutu styling and construction (yes, a truly iconic read for any drag queen seeking sartorial success!), and of course, my book of drag-queen time travel diaries, āTutu to the Futureā!
As always, darling, I hope you enjoyed this little slice of history! Keep those pink tutus ready, and remember, "Always put on a brave face, and always wear a pink tutu!"
Much love,
Emma xx
Don't forget to visit our fabulous online store, www.pink-tutu.com, for all your pink-tutu-needs! Weāve got fabulous, limited-edition, pink tutus inspired by our amazing drag queens!
P.S. Let me know in the comments section what date you'd like to see me time travel to next! And be sure to subscribe to my website and join my social media channels, to catch my next time-travelling drag adventure! Let's spread the pink tutu love all around the world!
