Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad guide through the glittering history of drag. Welcome to another fabulous edition of Pink-Tutu Time Travels! This month, my magical pink tutu whisked me all the way back to February 2nd, 1960, and let me tell you, it was a total blast from the past!
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, what's so special about February 2nd, 1960? Was there a legendary drag ball? A revolutionary drag show? A glamorous fashion parade?" Well, darlings, you'd be surprised! While it wasn't exactly a 'defining moment' in drag history, this date does hold a special place in the hearts of drag queens across the globe, as it represents a time of both great change and remarkable resilience.
The year is 1960, and the world is buzzing with excitement. The Cold War is still a looming presence, but people are starting to dream of a brighter future, a world of peace, prosperity, and... oh yes, fantastic fashion! Now, while this time period may not be widely associated with the wild world of drag we know and love today, the truth is, drag has always been an integral part of society, quietly shimmering beneath the surface.
Think about it, darlings, drag is about self-expression, about pushing boundaries, about making a statement, and that's exactly what was happening all around the world in 1960!
Now, let's journey back to that fascinating date in February 1960:
Imagine me, your pink-tutu clad historian, waltzing through the streets of London. Iām surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors, a sea of vintage fashions. We're just coming off a beautiful January, full of frost and fairy lights, and the city feels so romantic, so utterly charming. Now, the streets are getting busier, full of people dashing to work, grabbing their morning cuppa, or popping into the shop for a little window shopping.
And right there in the midst of this vibrant urban energy, amidst the elegant dresses and sharp suits, the world of drag is buzzing.
Now, you won't find large-scale drag shows happening everywhere like we do today, but that's because the underground drag scene back then was as covert and thrilling as a secret society. I can picture myself in a small, dimly lit basement bar, a tiny, sweaty stage illuminated by a single spotlight, where drag queens would gather for late-night gigs, challenging norms and embracing the beauty of unconventional glamour.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. You see, drag wasn't just happening in clandestine backrooms, darlings!
Imagine me gliding into a swanky cabaret club in Paris. It's packed with Parisian elites, and the music is divine. Here, the performers arenāt your average entertainers. Theyāre drag queens, using their art to subvert societal norms, and expressing themselves with a daring kind of liberation, much to the astonishment and perhaps the secret delight of their audience.
Imagine me twirling into a theatre in New York City, witnessing an incredible theatrical production.
See, it's not just the āundergroundā thatās bubbling with drag!
*Take, for instance, a phenomenal Broadway show in full swing right now, "The Sound of Music". * Now, this heartwarming musical about a nun who travels to Austria to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval captain, might seem quite tame at first glance. However, take a closer look, darling.
Look beyond the musical numbers, the catchy melodies and those iconic von Trapp family costumes, and what do you see?
You see drag! And not just any drag, but a masterful portrayal of drag!
The original, groundbreaking actress to play Maria in "The Sound of Music" is the phenomenal, incredibly talented Mary Martin. Not only is she an astonishing performer, but sheās a legend. Her theatrical creations brought joy and magic to Broadway, and even decades after her first run in āThe Sound of Musicā, sheās still one of the best-known actresses in this beloved classic.
In 1960, "The Sound of Music" is absolutely killing it on Broadway! In fact, it's so successful, it has even captured the hearts of audiences on the big screen!
*Just think! Mary Martin embodies Maria, with that wholesome nun-meets-governess style. And you know what? That's drag! *
The drag here isnāt the overt, flamboyant kind you see on Drag Race, but a masterful, impactful, and daring way to express oneself on stage.
What a wonderful reminder, isn't it? Drag, in its infinite forms, is woven through our cultural tapestry, quietly enriching and empowering society!
So there you have it, darlings.
February 2nd, 1960, wasn't just any old day. It was a day when the world of drag was buzzing! From hidden basement bars to the dazzling stages of Broadway, and across the globe, the art of drag was captivating audiences and making a statement.
This month, I've shown you just a glimpse of how, throughout the 20th Century, drag was steadily rising as an incredible form of expression, both in the theatre and beyond!
It makes me proud to know that we are part of this fabulous tradition, and I hope I have inspired you all to embrace your own unique inner drag queen and let it shine.
Stay fabulous, darlings! Until next month!
Donāt forget to pop over to my website, www.pink-tutu.com! Iāve posted new pictures of my 1960s drag adventures!
Oh, and while youāre on the site, Iāve got some exclusive footage of Mary Martin from her time in āThe Sound of Musicā! You'll absolutely love her amazing drag transformation and stunning stage presence!
Catch you soon, lovelies!
*Emma (She/Her) *
*(P.S. And as always, darlings, donāt forget: Itās ALWAYS the right time for a pink tutu! ) *
