Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time-travelling drag queen, ready to whisk you back in time for another slice of fabulous drag history! Today, darling, we're going right back to October 10th, 1962 – just picture it, the hairspray is a bit stronger, the eyelashes a bit longer, and the eyeliner? Let’s just say, it’s fierce, dear, utterly fierce.
This time, my fabulous pink tutu led me straight to the stage of the famed "Las Vegas Hilton", the glittery heartbeat of the entertainment capital. It was a night filled with stars, with the King himself, Elvis Presley, setting the stage alight! Can you believe it?! The King in his signature all-black velvet stage garb, and little ol’ me, your Pink Tutu Princess, surrounded by sequins and shimmering lights, right there in the audience! I have to admit, his slicked-back hair and that sideburn action had my heart a-flutter.
But darling, the most incredible thing was the drag performance before Elvis graced the stage! Back then, it was considered daring to wear something other than a men’s tuxedo on stage, but this group of incredible queens called themselves, “The Gay Divas” - think drag before it was mainstream, pure and unapologetically glamorous! They had some pretty wild outfits - feathers, beads, all sorts of dazzling costumes that were considered quite radical for the time!
Their act, darling? Oh, a high-kicking, show-stopping spectacular. The choreography? Tight, synchronized, and just a smidge camp. The make-up? Perfectly sculpted, darling! You could tell it was crafted with an artistic heart and an eye for detail, just like mine, of course!
Now, you're thinking, "Emma, wasn't Elvis known for a more straight, clean-cut performance? How could drag have existed on the same stage as The King?" Ah, my darlings, you mustn't forget, Vegas was always a hotbed for creativity and daring acts. And these fabulous Divas really made an impact with their stunning routines and glamorous personalities.
It's a story of hidden gems and rebellious spirits - just like how I feel about my pink tutu! It’s a reminder, darlings, that even amidst conservative times, fabulousness can shine through, defying societal expectations. It made me want to dance my heart out on that stage, with the confidence and sass of these groundbreaking drag performers!
Speaking of performing, I've been working on a new routine inspired by the flamboyant style of "The Gay Divas," and my gorgeous, new sequined leotard will be the perfect centerpiece! It's just a bit more... pink than their styles, naturally. 😜 I just know you’ll love it, dear. I'm excited to bring this bit of history into my shows in Derbyshire!
And talking of showing, the UK’s drag scene in 1962, well, let’s just say, it was a little bit quieter than Las Vegas, but still full of bright and audacious characters! I’ve read about clubs like the "Blue Angel” in Soho, which were popular destinations for those who loved to party, dress up, and be part of the growing community! Now, that sounds like my cup of tea, or should I say, my pink prosecco, darlings.
However, being the adventurous, drag history-loving girl I am, I wasn't satisfied just going to the shows. Oh, no, darling. This time, I wanted to be the main attraction! So I gathered my pink tutu, a handful of glittery hairspray, and my biggest smile. It’s the kind of smile that screams "I’m here, I'm glamorous, and I'm about to steal the show!”
You see, darlings, every show starts in the practice room. Back in 1962, they wouldn't have had all the amazing, modern drag studios you find nowadays. Instead, drag was born in bedrooms, basements, even attics - a space of expression, where people pushed boundaries and dreamt of being seen. I used my hotel room in Las Vegas to channel my inner diva, working on my best drag dance routine. My pink tutu flowed, it twirled, and I even borrowed a vintage record player from the hotel concierge and practiced to Elvis! (Shhh... don’t tell him, he's probably still in shock over the pink).
Of course, as a responsible time traveler, I make sure I’m in the right time period. No point in popping up in Victorian England dressed in my dazzling pink tulle, eh? I have my ways to travel and never a moment of worry or a hitch with my trusty, magic tutu! After my hotel performance (to a rather shocked, but curious cleaning crew), I even bought a 1962 version of my favorite pink tutu – think soft net with tulle ruffles, a splash of sparkles and the cutest, slightly ripped bow you've ever seen!
So, dear readers, that's a glimpse of the drag scene from 1962, and a sneak peek at the secrets I picked up along my journey through time! It’s a reminder that drag isn't just a trend, it's a way of life!
For October, I'm feeling bold and ready to dance the night away, and if you happen to be in Derbyshire, I hope you’ll join me for a night of glamour! You might even catch a glimpse of my 1962 pink tutu in the show - wink, wink! Now go, darling, put on your brightest colors, grab that dazzling tulle skirt, and make the world your pink tutu stage! Until next time, my sweethearts, stay fabulous! 💋
Find Emma on her drag website: www.pink-tutu.com
You can follow her journey on her social media pages: #PinkTutuQueen
