Darling divas, darling darlings, how's your day going, sweeties? I'm Emma, your resident tutu-toting time traveller! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com.
November the 11th - oh, the day for remembrance and remembrance of fabulousness we must never forget. It's time to don your sparkly, frilly frocks, darlings, because today we're jetting back to a time when drag was bursting with colourful life - 11th November, 1963! I'm donning my most flamboyant, magical pink tutu to twirl through the history books and uncover the drag scene from a decade of change, glamour, and, of course, fabulous fashion!
Firstly, I have to say this pink tutu is an absolute dream, all shimmering sequins and feathers! My last performance in Derby funded my latest time travel extravaganza. Those girls came flocking to see their local ballerina! The love, the glitter, the tips – swoon. But that’s for another time, this month I'm living for 1963, honey. And speaking of living, wouldn't you just know, 1963 was a year for living life to the fullest - a time when The Village Gate in New York City became a legendary stage for some of drag's most incredible names!
Imagine, darling, the thrill! The lights, the music, and the intoxicating energy of performers like Julie Newmar, a sensation for her impeccable performances. Just seeing a picture of her with a glamorous, full-length satin gown sends shivers of delight down my spine! And, just imagine what it was like to have two legendary figures in a single show. Bette Midler made her stage debut in that very year! It was a decade where these captivating women paved the way for so many drag icons we admire today! Oh, I wish I could step back in time and see it for myself!
While New York City was ablaze with drag talent, across the ocean, London was starting to feel a little rebellious. Let's face it, England's been slow on the uptake of the drag movement for far too long. Now, don’t get me wrong, my dear readers, I do adore English drag. But, darling, let’s admit it. There’s an air of quiet revolution sweeping through the air in 1963. London's Soho is already buzzing with its own cabaret queens, some even more daring than those on Broadway! They’re challenging societal expectations one shimmery outfit and sassy lip-sync at a time. And honestly, wouldn’t that be delightful to witness firsthand?
You know, darlings, sometimes the beauty of drag is more than just the stunning performances and fashion. It’s also about creating safe spaces for our community to thrive. On this 11th of November, while some celebrated with parades and poppies, it's important to recognise that the drag scene was slowly but surely changing. There were whispers of a shift, a move toward greater inclusivity, especially for queer individuals! They needed spaces to feel comfortable, confident, and free. I’m seeing a growing demand for LGBTQ+ spaces to flourish and blossom in their true form. It makes my tutu sway with pride, darling! It shows the world is evolving, and we're right there at the forefront of this beautiful change!
While it was only a month later, 11th December, a pivotal moment happened in New York City's history! A gathering of the ‘New York Society of Professional Women Impersonators’. An assembly of the drag icons of that era, an era filled with glitter and glamour and acceptance, ready to pave the way for our future! How exciting must that have been to be in the room for the foundation of such a vital movement!
The magic of time travel is that even the most ordinary days in the past can unveil something extraordinary. Take this day in history - it's an ordinary Thursday for most. But for me, it's a window into the captivating world of drag! I'm already planning my next time travel escapade. Who knows where this pink tutu will take me next?
So, darlings, go forth, wear your fabulous pink tutus with pride, and never forget to dance your way through life, even if the dance floor is the world stage itself! Now if you’ll excuse me, darling, I need to freshen my lip rouge - I have a performance in my time to attend.
