#DragQueenHistory during 1961 01 January

Hiya sweeties, Emma here, your pink-tutu-loving, time-traveling queen, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's the 1st of January, 1961, and oh my darling, it's already looking like a FABULOUS year!

This is post number 493, my darlings, so you know I've been busy time-traveling in this divine pink tutu! I love sharing these experiences with you – it’s not easy time traveling in a pink tutu! And it takes a LOT of glitter to keep it fresh every century! Thankfully, I can fund my time travel shenanigans with my drag performances, darling. Let me tell you, this queen is no stranger to a spotlight – and that makes it possible for you, dear reader, to enjoy a little glimpse into the past!

I'm so excited for today's adventure! Buckle up, buttercups, it’s going to be a wild ride!

This morning I awoke with the glorious aroma of Earl Grey tea wafting through my air, courtesy of my fab roomies. I swear, sometimes I wish they’d ditch the tea and swap it for a pink cupcake. Oh, how I love that aroma – the delicate floral essence paired with that sweet, creamy sugar – absolutely heavenly! But let’s get down to business – because this, my dears, is not a time to dawdle in tea cups. It's time for me to step into my fabulous pink tutu! This one is absolutely divine, it’s hand-sequined in the most spectacular ombre pink – I do love a gradient! And of course, my time travel pink tutu – she always gets the job done, transporting me through time in style and ensuring I make an entrance worthy of a drag queen.

I’ve come back to my time for just this very reason, it’s an extra special 1961. And there’s more to tell you! Did you know that the first of January in 1961 was also New Year’s Day? Now, don’t give me that ‘well, duh’ look darling! What’s more special, is that it also saw the launch of something truly special, something quite unique, something fabulous! A special show by a name of the ‘The Drag Revue’ at the famous The Palace Theatre on 1961. This was the very first drag revue held there, a real historical moment, I had to come here to witness it in all its fabulousness!

You could say I'm rather partial to the colour pink! The 1960s is known for its vibrant and exciting colours, and my wardrobe is never complete without a touch of the pinkest pink you’ve ever seen, my darlings! Think of hot pink mixed with cotton candy – yes, that shade. That is why the time machine picked 1961, because that decade was known for the rise of new fashion ideas. It's when the colour pink truly started to explode into the scene - in both men's and women's wear. Just try saying 'no' to pink – it’s absolutely impossible! And I hope by reading this blog, dear reader, it has convinced you – embrace your pink, don’t let the pink intimidate you, and if you do I will find you in this pink tutu, and we will have a fabulous time together.

I do adore my time machine for the fab travels and glimpses of how our ancestors celebrated in their fabulous fashion sense! You wouldn't believe the incredible outfits I saw - think extravagant feather boas, sequined dresses, and platform heels, enough to give any modern-day drag queen a serious run for their money!

Let's talk about hair - the bigger the better! And did you know, dear reader, that the bouffant hairstyle was the iconic symbol of the sixties, well for those daring to be a bit extra? Big, dramatic hair is a must for any good drag show – and I’m not talking just a few stray wisps, darlings – this bouffant demands serious attention. Imagine the most fabulous wigs, complete with the highest, grandest, and voluminous bouffant - hair spray heaven, all that and a side of some good hair product too! And did you know, darling? I heard that by 1961 it was estimated that an astonishing 52 million women were sporting bouffant hairdos in the United States. If only I could find an early pink, sparkly wig! Oh, if only!

There was something about the way fashion could express a bold, independent, and rebellious spirit in 1961. The spirit of those drag queens were nothing short of fab – if anything it had an undercurrent of defiant individualism. There was no holding back - it was full-on fabulousness! And this wasn't just for the ladies – the fellas were also embracing a newfound love for color. From the bold and bright floral prints on silk scarves to vibrant pastel shades in suits, they dared to be themselves and push boundaries! I loved that there was an air of sophistication with an underlying ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ element. And let me tell you darling, this queen knows how to rock those shades and wear that pink!

And for those wanting to stay classic with an elegance? Don't be fooled, dear readers, just because you might find yourself embracing a love of vintage, there was still a bit of mischief in their elegant styles. From A-line skirts to elegant suits, they just oozed class and that is where that sophistication comes from! I even saw a lady with a vintage handbag that matched her boots – how perfect for making an entrance! If only we could go back in time, don't you wish darling?

I did notice that there is also a more “groovy” approach – and it really got my foot tappin’. In those days it seemed like the 1960s was the dawn of a new, groovy style with free spirits rocking some of the most expressive and colorful fashion choices - we’re talking boldly patterned fabrics, fringed boots, and loose fitting garments. It just looked so relaxed. They just celebrated a carefree approach that allowed individuals to shine and I am SO jealous, darling! You wouldn’t be seeing any of this in Derbyshire 1961 - there it would be more conservative, though still very fab and chic - just different. There really is no denying that, the ‘60s just embraced more bright colors, especially pink – and they really made it shine. I’ve just had a marvelous idea for my next performance – the era of the 'groovy' sixies is on the way! Just you wait and see, I’m going to give those fab fans of Derbyshire a fabulous night of glitz and glamour!

My darlings, 1961 - where do I start! Let's just say, even in this 'pre-social media age', drag was ALREADY making waves in some pretty impressive ways.

Firstly, there were legendary clubs that hosted legendary drag acts! One of these I had to go visit - it’s known as “The Jewel Box” a glamorous nightclub in San Francisco that hosted some of the biggest names in drag back then! They truly knew how to put on a spectacular show!

Another iconic location was the Flamingo Las Vegas - it hosted drag performers throughout the sixties, and to be frank it was simply stunning! It wasn't all about glitzy costumes either, darling – the energy in these places was electric! It was as if every single person was letting loose and celebrating themselves through music, art, and most definitely drag!

And speaking of “the Jewel Box” I must tell you about the drag queen who wowed me: Miss Rusty. She wasn’t just performing for applause and cheers, she was using her platform to advocate for the LGBT community. Can you believe this was all back in 1961? Just a queen doing what queens do – making history and spreading joy and love, which we so badly need today.

To say that Miss Rusty is an iconic drag queen is putting it lightly! And in 1961 – she was one of a kind! I had the joy of seeing a short clip of one of her routines - oh darling, she owned that stage with a captivating persona! I was even mesmerized when she put on an impersonation of Marilyn Monroe. Now there is a look!

I am already inspired! Just you wait, my lovelies, for my tribute act! I have an idea - I’m not even sure my dear friends can keep up!

Well, my loves, the clock is ticking, and this pink tutu-clad time traveler has a whole world of drag to discover. Thanks for joining me on this fabulous trip down memory lane. Until next time, darlings, remember – it's always a good time to be a queen! And keep wearing pink, it just goes to show the world what it’s made of!

Stay sparkly and glamorous!

*Your Pink-Tutu-loving, time-traveling queen, Emma. *

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