Helloooo my darling darlings! Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire drag queen with a passion for pink tutus and a time machine even more fabulous! This month, my magical pink tutu has whisked me back to May 5th, 1960, and trust me, darlings, this trip was nothing short of sensational!
First of all, I just had to show off this phenomenal, custom-made, 1960s-inspired, fuchsia pink tulle tutu, darling! It's absolutely divine – with a dramatic pouf of pink feathers at the bottom, and a matching boa to complete the look. This was the perfect choice for a trip to the bustling centre of New York, known for its legendary Broadway shows and dazzling street performers!
Speaking of street performers, let's delve into the world of drag as it existed back then. 1960s drag in New York was an entirely different scene to what we know today. Drag queens were much less visible and there were fewer opportunities to perform, but those who did perform often pushed the boundaries and challenged conventional ideas about gender expression.
Let me tell you, darling, even then, the scene in Times Square was absolutely electric. It was the heart of the New York theatre world. There was just this palpable excitement, an undeniable buzz! You had the theatre district bursting with fabulous shows and, darling, I was lucky enough to see the legendary musical "The Music Man". Can you believe it?! That musical was simply divine!
Now, you may think I couldn't resist whipping out a quick number during that performance, right? WRONG, my dear! Street performing in 1960s New York was still very much on the down low. But I DID indulge in a delicious spot of window shopping in the vibrant shops of Times Square. Just look at these incredible pictures! I even snapped a few of those stunning showgirls in their iconic feathers and glitter.
That evening, I found myself drawn to the underground drag scene of the 1960s Greenwich Village. This little haven of art and free-expression offered a stage to drag performers pushing boundaries and creating their own scene. The energy in these small underground bars was phenomenal, and let me tell you, these queens knew how to work a crowd! The makeup was sensational! So much red lipstick, dramatic liner and heavy shadows. Just dreamy.
I even saw a performance from the legendary Jackie Curtis - who would go on to become a darling of the underground scene. Curtis challenged gender norms through theatre and music, pioneering a distinct, confrontational style. He truly embodied the artistic expression and creativity of the Greenwich Village drag scene in those early days.
Now, I know you’re all thinking, what’s with the emphasis on “underground”? It's important to understand the landscape back then. The world, and New York especially, was a more conservative place back in those days. While times are certainly changing for the better, we can all be thankful for those bold performers of the 1960s for paving the way and showing the world that drag was so much more than just performance, it was an expression of who they were and a statement of their innerselves.
But back to me, and my amazing, vibrant tutu. I must confess, as soon as I put on this fabulous fuchsia creation, I couldn't help but channel my inner ballerina. A quick waltz on Fifth Avenue under the glittering city lights - just what a girl needed after a full day of dazzling performances.
Let's recap, darlings: a fabulous trip through time, some glamorous fashion and an undeniable connection with the roots of the drag scene! My pink tutu whisked me away to the bustling streets of New York, reminding us that while drag is an evolution, the power of expressing your truest self never goes out of style.
Don't forget to keep up with my travels on www.pink-tutu.com. I have SO much more to share with you about my extraordinary trips through time and, of course, more fabulously flamboyant outfits! Until next month, darlings, stay fabulous and always remember...you are a queen.
And wear a pink tutu!
Your Emma.
