Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina queen, ready to whisk you away on a glamorous journey to the shimmering, sparkling, pink-hued world of drag! Today's episode? We're turning the clock back to August 8th, 1964, darling, a date that has some truly fab drag history simmering just beneath the surface!
Grab your finest pink tutu (I just know you have one!) and let's dance our way into this glittering chronicle of our glorious art form. Buckle up, my lovelies, this one's a right royal tea party!
The Pink Tutu Travels to 1964!
Landing my time-travelling tutu right in the heart of 1964 was a total treat. Imagine a world with The Beatles reigning supreme, a little gem called the "Mini Skirt" revolutionising fashion, and gasp no mobile phones?! Honestly, how did anyone ever find a cab, my dears? But let me tell you, the spirit of drag was thriving even without the wonders of Instagram or Tik Tok to help it along!
We were in the middle of a golden era of cabaret in America and Europe. Now, the US had its fair share of spectacular drag, but honey, you haven't experienced drag until you've been to London's West End. I popped in on a show at the legendary Windmill Theatre. Oh darling, imagine a show with stunning drag, glamorous dancers, comedy, and singing. This venue was an institution for glamorous cabaret and it wasn't just serving the queens! They were employing 80 people by 1964!
And that was just in London! We were seeing cabaret acts in towns like Torquay! And all those gorgeous drag performers were absolutely breaking boundaries at every show! The fabulous, vibrant nature of the performance made it more accessible than ever for those looking to push back against the social expectations of the time! You can really see how drag played such a powerful role in both challenging societal norms and opening up avenues for artistic expression in the 1960s!
It’s Fashion Week, Darlings!
London was just one stop on my whirlwind tour. Next up: New York, where fashion was just everything! Fashionistas in pink, yellow and the most dazzling colors - think Mary Quant's little gems!
The 1960s was just a revolution for fashion. Forget rigid structures and sensible clothes.
And guess what I spotted in New York's hottest boutiques? You know I couldn't resist adding a new pink tutu to my collection! Oh my darling, it's so cute - it’s got frills galore! And just imagine this – this year, 1964, we see “Mod Fashion” and "Pop Art” fashion explode onto the scene! Just divine, isn’t it? And that pop art trend? Well, guess who could pull that off! It's us queens, darlings! Think vibrant colors, geometric shapes, bold patterns – perfect for our fabulous looks!
Speaking of looks, I did get a chance to see a truly legendary act in 1964, darlings! The "Vampira" act. Now, she wasn't quite a drag queen in the traditional sense, but she absolutely inspired everyone from drag queens to film stars with her style, wit, and charisma! She had the audacity, the fierce gaze, and that iconic makeup style! It was no wonder she became a global sensation in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
So Much Pink, It’s Pinktastic!
Of course, all this fabulousness would not be complete without a little shopping. And honestly, darlings, New York in 1964 was just a dream. Every shop window I saw was overflowing with fabulous fabrics in every color imaginable! And I, of course, bought the best pink tulle for a new tutu that’s so flamboyant, so beautiful, and perfectly complements my time travelling one! And of course, some vintage pink dresses, pink sparkly eyeshadow and pink glittery platform heels just in case.
I really love to take in a little history and some shopping on my trips. It's truly the most delicious blend of nostalgia and fashion!
But remember, my darlings, it's not all about glamour! Remember that while drag is all about celebrating beauty and artistic expression, the fight for rights was just as important. Drag is often about finding a space where you can express your true self, no matter what the world throws at you. It was about being a symbol of change.
I must tell you all - there were serious issues with anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments in many countries at the time. It's crucial to remember that for every fabulous moment of drag, there were struggles for acceptance, a reality we are still grappling with today. But look, my darlings! We’re breaking down barriers every day, just like they did back then. And what is drag without that bit of rebellious spirit? I wouldn’t trade it for all the glitz in the world!
Back to my pink tutu and you lovely people! Well darlings, it's time to put a pin in this adventure and I have just the perfect song for a grand finale. “Mr. Blue Sky” by E.L.O. It's that upbeat, optimistic vibe that sums up our love for drag history and, let’s face it, just being alive!
Do keep checking in for my monthly posts! And in the meantime, may all your steps be a pirouette, your lipsticks a perfect shade of pink, and may your smiles be brighter than a thousand disco balls!
And don’t forget to follow me on social media! I am sharing more stories and fun photos on all the major platforms!
With love, sparkles and lots of pink, Emma xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
