Hello darlings! š
Itās your fabulous time-traveling fairy godmother, Emma, back again with another peek into the vibrant, campy world of Drag Queen History! Itās your girl, the Queen of Pink and Tutus, reporting live from... drumroll intensifies... February 2nd, 1964! Buckle up, kittens, 'cause weāre about to sashay through time in my trusty, magical, and absolutely fabulous pink tutu!
This is post number 530 on www.pink-tutu.com, where I, Emma, am here to take you on a monthly journey through drag history!
You might be wondering, how does a simple girl from Derbyshire, England, fund her globetrotting time travel escapades? Well, honey, you wouldn't believe it! I get to indulge in my passion, dancing in fabulous drag shows, earning my time travel allowance through my completely legitimate (and extremely glamorous) performances!
Before I dive into the historical shenanigans, remember darlings, this month's theme? Pink is the new black! So, wear it loud, wear it proud, wear it PINK! You wanna join me on this adventure? Letās spread the love, shall we? (and maybe sprinkle some glitter along the way?)
So, let's dive into 1964! Imagine if you will: no smartphones, no internet, only the glorious world of theatre and cabaret. Think "Hello Dolly!" the musical that everyone was talking about, but we're in the era of the swinging sixties. The world was experiencing the vibrant pulse of rock 'n' roll and it was oh-so-dramatic, dear!
Now, youāve gotta understand, darling, in 1964, things weren't exactly "Camp Drag Shows on Every Corner." (Thankfully, my little cherubs, we've progressed beyond those days, and how!). So, Iāve gotta channel my inner-researcher to track down those hidden gems of drag in the archives!
I have a feeling this year might not be bursting with mainstream drag shows, BUT it doesnāt mean we wonāt discover a secret world of talented individuals! Remember, every drag queen, in every decade, paved the way for the dazzling performances we have today. Weāre on a journey of inspiration and discovery!
Speaking of glamorous research, I've stumbled upon some intriguing leads! I found some fabulous nuggets on this date!
In New York, the Metropolitan Opera was staging a revival of āTosca,ā with Franco Corelli and Leontyne Price, and in London the Royal Opera House, known for their absolutely stunning fashion (a must for this drag queen! - my god, those costumes are pure art! - imagine the potential inspiration!), is opening Richard Straussās "Elektra.ā I wonder if Iād be able to steal some fabulous inspiration from them... (perhaps a pink-tutu inspired reimagining? Think of the revolutionary possibilities!).
Over in San Francisco, I stumbled upon the āPainted Bird,ā a weekly drag show. It was like an oasis in the desert, dear. And the drag queens were stunning, with glamorous makeup and outrageous costumes! The "Painted Birdā truly embodies what drag is all about, that unique and vibrant expression. Itās not all about glam, itās about courage, talent and bringing joy to the world, my dears! Itās the heartbeat of the scene! And don't worry, I've got a pink tutu outfit for this adventure all planned! Squeals!
Over in Philadelphia, we have the fabulous and eccentric "Madame" Rose leading a team of drag performers called the āDancing Ladiesā. Can you imagine the excitement, my dears? Weāre talking true trailblazers and history makers right here! Can you just picture these ladies strutting their stuff across the stage? Now thatās drag!
You see, even back in 1964, drag queens were leaving their mark, with shows in underground clubs, with amazing theatrical performances that left people mesmerized! We may not have Instagram for all the latest drag photos, but there is a real sense of raw, raw talent.
- Iāve also been tracking some amazing drag queens in Chicago, Miami, Detroit, and even my very own **Derbyshire! So even with a limited online archive of that period, my little darlings, we're digging deep for every drag history gem! You gotta get your hands dirty, babes!
And the outfits? They were fabulous! Let's just say the glitter wasnāt quite as plentiful back in these days! They relied on glamour through pure skill, dear. But this periodās fashion was no less innovative. Some might even say it had more grit, dear. Letās remember that sometimes, less is more and that less glam is only a stage makeup remover away. You wanna get fierce with your Pink Tutu looks, think simple lines, iconic make-up and strong bold colors!
Remember those vibrant vintage designs of the 1960s? Just think of that bold use of colors, with a dramatic eye makeup, those statement bobs... I love how drag queens have taken the world of fashion by storm in every generation, always a fashion muse for me!
As I close my magical pink tutu bag, it's time to remind you to be courageous and bold! And darling, embrace the unique and exciting world of drag. And of course, never forget to always wear a Pink Tutu!! š
Your Time-Traveling Fairy Godmother, Emma x
