Hello, my lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another fabulous adventure! January 1st, 1968 - now thatâs a date that just screams history! But for us, darlings, it's all about discovering the glittery gems of drag history, so buckle up your sequined stilettos and get ready to take a spin through time.
This month, we're skipping ahead to the swinging sixties - that glorious era of bell bottoms, vibrant colours, and of course, the fabulous, flourishing drag scene! As a fellow Derbyshire lass myself, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be venturing to New York City this month, to the legendary, and quite frankly, iconic, âThe Tenth Muse.â
I'll tell you, girls, even from my little corner of the world back in 2023, The Tenth Muse was already the talk of the town! This drag venue, tucked away in a small basement in Greenwich Village, was the epicentre of drag during the late 1960s, becoming known for its radical performances and groundbreaking acts, pushing the boundaries of gender and performance, leaving everyone spellbound.
It's practically overflowing with legendary names! Think Divine - yes, the Divine with the outlandish costumes, theatrical movements, and fierce stage presence, a true icon of the era, giving everyone major drama and comedy gold! And of course, the incredible Holly Woodlawn, her striking and beautiful presence, taking drag to a whole new level with a kind of elegance and ethereal presence!
But darlings, this isnât a single-show party, this was the whole shebang of "The Tenth Museâ! Imagine this: drag shows bursting with raw, authentic talent, fuelled by this fierce determination to challenge, to entertain, and to truly create something special. You couldn't tell where the show ended and the world began. They were so interlinked, it just melted your wig!
Think of it - you've got Jackie Curtis - I mean, hello! This performer embodies "glam rock drag," so edgy, so cool, making it known in this era, you don't just dress up, you have an aesthetic!
This period, my darlings, is a true beacon for drag â its daringness, its innovation. It was during this time that drag wasn't confined to the bars or clubs; it started creeping out onto the street! And who can blame it, with these stars burning brighter than a disco ball under the neon signs?
Of course, no trip to the sixties would be complete without a little fashion! My, my, how the styles have evolved, but thereâs something so magical about the fashions of this time period - the boldness of colour, the flowing lines, the audacity of it all! We've got the glam-rock, the bohemian chic, and the "I woke up like this" androgyny, all serving up an eclectic yet beautifully harmonious look!
While The Tenth Muse was attracting all the attention in New York City, there were so many other venues across America, even here in England, making their mark, changing the game, and making drag the force it is today! In those bustling times, venues were more than just places to catch a show; they were hotbeds for artistic expression, places for individuals to be seen and to be heard.
Remember, darlings, that even in those days, drag wasnât easy. It was, and still can be, fraught with social stigmas, with resistance, but our lovely, fabulous queens just kept pushing forward, forging their own path! The drag queens in this era are our history, they are our legacy, and they are the inspiration for so many of us to be ourselves!
It was at this time that the term âdrag queenâ actually came into prominence. Before, we used the term âqueenâ but âdrag queenâ gave a new power, a new voice! Drag was finding a place on the international scene with more and more queens stepping up, proving, just as we see today, drag is a form of art that has no borders.
And it all started, you see, with just this urge to be yourself!
As I glide through the vibrant sixties with my pink tutu twinkling under the disco ball lights, I can't help but think about the incredible strength and creativity of these early pioneers. They were the ones who bravely challenged norms, breaking through barriers and giving us the chance to be whoever we want to be! And if there is one lesson to learn from them, it is that through adversity, through courage, through creativity, we can accomplish absolutely anything!
The future is ours to shape, so get that fabulous energy flowing! If I can do it with my trusty pink tutu, you can do it too!
You know what to do, my darlings. Channel your inner queen. Find that special piece of pink tulle that speaks to your soul. And wear it proudly! Be fearless. Be daring. Be you! And donât forget, I'm waiting for you on www.pink-tutu.com, ready to travel through time and explore the wonders of drag together! See you soon, my lovelies! And remember, every single one of you is absolutely beautiful.
Love and Sequins, Emma
