Hello my darling dears! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, bringing you the latest installment of Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month, my magical pink tutu took me all the way back to the fabulous '60s, specifically the 10th of October, 1961, for a whirlwind tour of the drag scene that was rocking the world! Buckle your diamante-studded belts, darlings, 'cause this trip's going to be fabulous!
You see, being a drag queen in Derbyshire, England is a fabulous thing. I mean, have you seen the way people dress around here? But being a drag queen who can time travel…well, that's a whole new level of fabulous. I get to meet all the legendary drag queens, see the world, and I even make a few quid doing shows along the way to keep the pink tutu budget topped up. After all, I’ve gotta look my best, darling!
It was all thanks to my recent drag show at the legendary "Dusty's Drag Palace" in Sheffield. They just love their drag in Sheffield, and the crowd went absolutely wild when I did my “Pink Tutu Cha-Cha”. The atmosphere was electric, the energy amazing…and at the end, as I curtsied in my pink tutu, I noticed a shimmering pink mist around my sparkly feet. Just then, BAM! It’s like somebody clicked a magic button, because I found myself whisked away in a glittery puff of pink tulle, travelling through time and space...to the glorious 10th October, 1961.
"Oh, the Humanity!" The New York Drag Scene
My very first stop was the legendary city that never sleeps, New York City. And let me tell you, darling, the drag scene back then was something else! My sparkly shoes were clicking along Broadway as I went to see the incredible "Cotillion" show at the Café Au Go Go in Greenwich Village.
Imagine, darling, this amazing venue – packed full of fabulous queens – everything from glamorous gowns to glamorous trousers! Now, I don’t have anything against a well-tailored trouser – that's my cup of tea for a daytime look, I'll admit – but for a full evening, I must have my pink tutu. I was immediately drawn to the amazing drag king, Sylvia, performing under the moniker of "Sylvia of the Seas". Her drag style was more about masculinity than femininity. It was truly mesmerising – she oozed so much energy and power! Sylvia had everyone captivated, rocking the stage in a navy pinstripe suit and a slicked-back black hair style that gave her this powerful look that totally rocked. The entire place went absolutely bonkers!
**“Come And See the Show!” - The Rise of "Hairspray" Drag
While the NYC scene was on fire, let's travel across the world now to London, baby! London was absolutely buzzing, with the West End theatres bursting with theatrical energy! I saw this brilliant play, "Hairspray," at the London Palladium! Now, I don't know if you've ever heard of "Hairspray" - it's this brilliant musical. It features so much drag and it absolutely epitomised the 60's scene! Think hairspray, oversized hats, colorful dresses - the "Hairspray" style really reflected the 1960s youth culture with its vibrant, rebellious edge.
After all, it’s London – the city that never fails to shock. If you haven’t had a cup of tea and seen the London drag scene, honey, you've missed out. You're in the wrong place, you should have stayed at home and just stayed in your jammies watching the telly. Now, back to our trip to London...
The Majesty of British Drag Queens
The most notable thing about British drag back in 1961 was the impact of drag king performances in music halls, nightclubs, and of course, the legendary British Theatre. We’re talking, darling, drag kings and queens performing with big personalities, witty comebacks and plenty of dazzling musical performances – It was pure glamour and I just loved every minute of it! And as for those costumes… *oh my dear! *Think elaborate gowns, sequined dresses, stunning ball gowns – pure couture! In those days, there was nothing quite like a British queen!
I happened to catch the legendary “Gloria Diamond” on stage in a London nightclub – the crowd was going wild! Her stage presence was spectacular – it had everything! That stage presence? It was phenomenal – so bold, so powerful – her show had me on the edge of my sequin-encrusted seat. She had everyone clapping, hooting and screaming – she had it all, and I couldn't take my eyes off her. She had the moves, darling. She had the glamour. But her best move of all? I knew I had to do her iconic number, “She’s Got It” in my next show back home – you won’t want to miss it, I can tell you.
**Back to Reality – It's All About the Tutu, Baby!
And now, just like that, I'm back in my beloved Derbyshire. Back to the world of real life. Of course, the highlight of my 1961 trip? It’s hard to pick one moment.
Do I go with the electrifying "Hairspray" show in London? Or the sensational "Cotillion" in New York? Or perhaps my unforgettable night at the club seeing “Gloria Diamond”? No, darling! My favourite thing about 1961? I loved the pink! Oh honey, 1961 saw the rise of the pink revolution – imagine pink clothing, pink everything! It's why I picked up a pink evening gown on my little time travel jaunt - and a pink velvet bag to hold all my lip glosses and things. You know how important these things are to a glamorous queen. I can’t get enough of the colour!
As for my upcoming performance, the 10th of October, 1961, is the big night to wear it, you’ve heard it here first. Pink is in, and so am I! Come to my next show – let's celebrate the magic of drag and the iconic colours of history. See you at my next show!
Emma x
P.S Don't forget to check out my new collection of "Time Travel Pink Tutu" items at www.pink-tutu.com - we’re giving away a limited edition time travelling pink tutu to the best review on my website! It's the only thing better than watching a drag show!
*The End. *
