Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, the blog where every month, I whisk you off on a whimsical journey through drag history, all wrapped up in a cloud of pink tulle. And today, my dears, we're jetting off to March 3rd, 1961!
This month, my darling time travelling pink tutu took me from the quaint cobbled streets of my hometown Derbyshire to the bustling, vibrant, and absolutely fabulous heart of…wait for it…New York City!
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, darling, why New York? Surely London is where all the drag action was in 1961?" And you'd be right, darlings, but let me tell you, the drag scene was flourishing in America too!
I strutted my stuff right into the legendary 'The Village Gate', a nightclub with a long and storied history, and, oh darling, was it a sight to behold! Drag queens were just bursting with charisma, talent, and an absolute aura of confidence that was positively electrifying.
Now, remember, darlings, it's important to remember that in the early sixties, the landscape for drag was a little different. These queens were true pioneers, challenging the status quo and embracing their artistry. It was a time when gender expression and identity were less visible, so these drag queens were truly making a bold statement by just being themselves, their glamour and beauty a beacon in the darkness.
One of the most inspiring shows I saw that night was by a group called 'The Jewel Box Revue'. Now, darlings, these girls were legends, and not just because they dared to wear full drag! 'The Jewel Box Revue' toured across America for decades, featuring amazing performers who truly broke down barriers, paving the way for the drag queens of today.
Oh, the costumes! Sequins, feathers, sparkling gowns, it was all a complete drag spectacle. Now, don’t get me wrong, darling, these outfits might have seemed quite demure compared to today's fashion-forward looks. But remember, darlings, these queens were literally writing the book on drag and that is so iconic!
The entire experience was intoxicating. From the electrifying energy of the performance to the undeniable sense of community among the drag queens and the audience. I couldn’t help but feel that, for the queens at ‘The Village Gate’, it was more than just a show. It was about freedom, expression, and claiming their space in the world.
And guess what? They did! They took a big leap of faith, and their artistry echoed through the generations of drag queens who came after them. That's why, my darling, it’s so important for us to understand our roots and celebrate these trailblazers!
So, my dears, how are we celebrating our 3rd March 1961 adventure? Well, I’m throwing on my fluffiest pink tutu, blasting some sixties pop music (don’t worry, I'm keeping the tunes light and fun - nothing that will make our ears pop like an early Village Gate show), and dancing in the mirror for the sheer joy of it!
We’ve got so much to be thankful for when it comes to drag. Every new season of drag TV, every incredible new queen bursting onto the scene, every beautiful, unique and extraordinary drag show is a direct consequence of the fearless queens of 1961 and before who dared to stand on the stage in their glittering glory!
Until next time, dears, keep on strutting! And remember, you can get your pink tutus on for the fabulous drag show events happening this month on www.pink-tutu.com.
Yours in fabulousness, Emma, your resident pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling drag enthusiast!
