Oh darlings! Welcome back to my monthly meanderings through the annals of #DragQueenHistory! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another fabulously fabulous blast from the past. Today we're heading back to May 5th, 1959, a date that's absolutely brimming with drag-tastic shenanigans. Grab your feather boas, pop on a little lipgloss and let's shimmy into the archives!
You see, my lovelies, my time travel excursions are more than just jaunts through history, they're a celebration of the sheer brilliance and creativity that has always infused the drag world. Every month, I delve into a new date, finding inspiration, discovering forgotten icons, and reminding us all of the joyous and rebellious spirit that has fuelled drag for centuries.
And this month? Oh darling, we're diving into a truly iconic date, one that perfectly encapsulates the dazzling energy of the late '50s: May 5th, 1959.
Now, I must confess, this month, my time travels were particularly delicious. You see, darlings, I landed in New York City, where a little place called "The 82 Club" was hosting none other than... the legendary "Julie"! Oh, the divine energy was practically crackling! I practically gasped in delight! This queen was a real trailblazer, darling. She was one of the very first Black queens to grace the New York drag scene. And darling, she absolutely slayed with her comedic performances! I tell you, her quick wit, her sharp timing, and her outrageous outfits… I swear, my head spun from pure joyous awe.
Now, as I stood there, basking in the spotlight and laughter of "Julie" and her audience, I couldn’t help but reflect on how important moments like this were for the future of drag. I thought about how this iconic queen, defying norms and breaking barriers with each dazzling performance, was paving the way for generations to come. It was a truly powerful and humbling experience.
But wait! Because that wasn’t all the action in 1959!
My travels then took me to sunny Los Angeles, where I whispered, giggled, and swished my way into another legendary venue - The Club 9! My oh my! It was there, in the heart of the Los Angeles drag scene, where I stumbled upon a spectacle of drag that had the world truly whispering and giggling! You see, a troupe known as "The Angels of Bohemia" were captivating the crowds with their truly exquisite shows. And let me tell you, these queens didn't just dance - they flew! They incorporated elements of dance, drama, and theatricality into their performances, turning every show into a true story.
With shimmering costumes, glittering stage sets, and a truly enchanting atmosphere, "The Angels of Bohemia" took audiences on journeys to mystical lands, romantic tales, and everything in between! Their sheer theatrical grandeur felt as magical as my very own pink tutu! I mean, it’s a bit like me finding my dream vintage outfit… and then discovering a matching pair of perfectly vintage shoes hidden in a drawer! That, darlings, is how this felt, a match made in celestial drag heaven!
But while those American drag gems were sparkling like jewels in the 1950s scene, back in old Blighty, the drag world was buzzing with a distinctly more bohemian vibe. Oh, you'd find your own draggy delights if you know where to look. And so, I popped on over to The 2 I's in Soho, a London venue renowned for its underground atmosphere.
Imagine, darling, a dark, sultry space where cigarette smoke swirls with laughter and hushed conversations about the latest avant-garde plays. The stage buzzes with an energy so vibrant, you can feel it tingling in your pink tutu! I'd like to think, of course, my very own tutu, with its pink glow, was the most dazzling sight. That is, of course, unless one certain queen - the ever enigmatic "Lady Godiva" was onstage. She had this magical, mischievous aura about her, like she'd stepped straight out of a Wilde play. And her outfits! My dear, swoon. Every look, an artistic statement - a bold use of color, an avant-garde touch here, a whimsical feather there. A true visionary, you could say, and just the right mix of fabulousness to fit that Soho space perfectly.
The point, darling, is that wherever you were in 1959, you could be certain that drag was out there, captivating hearts and igniting imaginations. From New York to Los Angeles to the heart of London, drag reigned supreme. A global network of artists, performers, and innovators were sharing their visions and their passions with audiences. And, just as I've been sharing my discoveries in drag history, each show, each venue, each performer, was writing its own unique chapter in this rich and beautiful tapestry of expression.
This isn't just a date in history, my lovelies, it's a movement. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and self-expression. Drag isn’t just a costume, it’s an attitude! And, even in those seemingly simpler times, it was already pushing boundaries and challenging expectations. And let's not forget about those incredible outfits! I must say, my very own pink tutu feels more magnificent each time I journey through history and see the fabulous artistry that inspires its very existence. From those fabulous feather boas to shimmering sequins to those impossibly perfectly placed feather trims… there's an inspiration around every corner.
Now, my darlings, I just know some of you are saying "Emma, what can I do to make a statement as fabulous as these legends?" Oh, honey, I hear you! Don’t get me wrong, you don’t need to find an extravagant ball gown. I promise you! You don’t need to create an incredible stage show right this minute. I simply invite you to find your inner muse. Express your love for all things glamorous and fabulous, find your inner queen (and let's be honest, we all have one!) Even something as simple as a *touch of pink glitter or a fabulous, bold shade of lipstick is a fantastic way to start!
Oh, darlings, remember - it’s your journey and you must enjoy the every single step of the way. Don’t get me wrong, darling, a dash of glamour every day is something to celebrate, so enjoy it, you deserve it!
This month's #DragQueenHistory travel took me on an absolute rollercoaster ride of drag delight. And I can't wait for you to join me next month for another peek into the past and its fabulous history. I promise, darlings, I'll have something absolutely delightful planned just for you!
Remember to pop on over to www.pink-tutu.com for a full rundown of my travels this month. It's just bursting with insights into this month’s #DragQueenHistory! Oh, and I will, of course, be continuing my global drag travels! And darling, who knows where my magical, pink tutu will transport me next?
