Hello darlings! Welcome back to the world of www.pink-tutu.com, where fashion, fun, and time travel are as intertwined as a tutu and its dancer! It's your fabulous friend Emma here, bringing you another exciting chapter from my pink-tutu-infused journey through drag history. And today, my lovelies, we’re twirling back to the fabulously-fantastic April 4th, 1962!
This month's time-travelling adventures found me whizzing back to a time of big hair, even bigger skirts, and oh, the dancing! It was like stepping onto a set of Grease but with less leather and a lot more shimmy.
Speaking of shimmy, I knew I just had to dust off my vintage pink feather boa and head down to the Apollo Theatre in Harlem for the ‘The Howard Theatre Presents…’ night! Can you imagine, darlings, a whole night dedicated to a whole troupe of incredible drag queens strutting their stuff, singing their hearts out, and delivering that special brand of sass that we just love about our girls? Oh, the sass, it was like a rainbow of fabulous!
I even snagged myself a vintage copy of the show program (a proper collectors’ item, darling!), and let me tell you, it was jam-packed with talented queens who I totally would've loved to meet and give a big pink tutu hug. From the names alone, I just knew we had ourselves a legendary lineup: "Mavis" and her “Singing Sisters", "Millie" the comedic siren, and of course, the divine "The Countess", known for her powerhouse vocals.
After all that drag deliciousness, it was off to the fabulous Flamingo Club in Detroit for a real treat, my loves. You see, The Flamingo was hosting an absolute icon: Jackie Shane, the ‘Drag King of Detroit’. Can you believe this powerhouse was captivating audiences back in the '60s with her jaw-dropping performance of the ‘Soul' Man' * song! Now *that's drag, darlings, a queen channeling masculinity while oozing that pure, pure feminine power!
So, you see, it wasn’t just America where drag was absolutely slaying. It was in Britain, too, and I, darling, had to have a peek! Imagine this, I'm swirling through time, and I end up in the heart of London’s Soho, in the legendary "The 2 i's". Oh, it was truly a delight! This place was an absolute drag haven – from male impersonators showcasing a taste of Vegas showmanship, to cabaret stars lighting up the stage with their infectious tunes! This is where drag really was the heart of the city’s pulse, and trust me, darlings, my time-travelling heart just burst with pride for the history of it all.
Speaking of history, I just had to pay a little visit to a real hidden gem: The Continental Hotel in London (Now the Continental Hotel, of course!) It's just one of the places where the history of trans women in drag totally bloomed. These brave, talented girls were like pioneers paving the way for all of us! They embraced who they were and made a splash with the audacity and brilliance of their performances, all while challenging the norms of the time. Talk about fearless, darlings!
I mean, who wouldn't love this: 1962, an era filled with such drag diversity and incredible performances. It was an explosion of style, creativity, and talent that makes my pink tutu heart soar! Every day was like a drag performance, every venue a stage, every outfit a masterpiece! Oh, to be there! But thanks to my time-travelling tutu, it felt as though I was living it all over again!
It's this incredible history of drag that inspires me to continue my own journey of promoting the joy and acceptance of drag. My aim, my lovelies, is to bring this infectious spirit and confidence to everyone - with a bit of pink tutu sprinkled on top!
And that, darlings, is the real magic of drag. It's not just a performance, it’s about expression, self-love, and the joy of being YOU. I encourage you all, regardless of whether you wear a pink tutu or not, to celebrate your unique sparkle and find that inner drag queen that's waiting to shine.
Now, excuse me darlings, but I have some time travel plans to make! The year is 1978 and that Studio 54 vibe is calling my name! See you next month!
Until then, stay fabulous, darling, and never stop believing in the power of a pink tutu!
Lots of love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
