Hello darlings! Emma here, your fabulous pink tutu-clad time traveller, reporting live from...well, wherever my pink tutu takes me! This month, my time travelling frock has whisked me back to September 9th, 1968, a date thatās quite the hot ticket in the history of drag. Get ready for a fab-tastic journey to a legendary night at the "Cabaret Voltaire", the very birthplace of the "camp" and, get this, the spot where drag's one and only Divine got his big break! Oh darling, the glamour...the glitzā¦it's absolutely divine!
Iāve got to say, time travel in this pink tutu is truly the most magical way to travel! One moment youāre having your post-show cucumber sandwich at a Derbyshire tea room (oh, the joy of home!) and the next you're swirling your way through the dimly lit underground of a 1960s London. And this trip, well, itās already got me giddy as a giddy thing!
You see, my lovelies, today, my dear pink tutu has transported me straight into the world of "Cabaret Voltaire", a rather exciting little club in Soho that became quite the meeting point for artists and eccentrics of the day. You see, this was Londonās underground scene, and drag, oh darling, was absolutely thriving! Imagine a hotchpotch of creative chaos, all brimming with fabulous, outrageous performance art and drag! And get this, itās at the Cabaret Voltaire that our darling Divine got his very first show on!
It was there, amongst a wild night of artistic expression and sheer flamboyant brilliance, that Divine, a truly unforgettable figure with the personality of a larger-than-life hurricane and the performance style that could knock your feather boa right off, grabbed the attention of the artistic elite of London. The room went wild, dearie! They absolutely adored him! Just imagine the sheer exhilaration, the roaring applause, the thunderous energy of a performance by a genuine star being born.
You see, before Divine, oh honey, he was just Harris Glenn Milstead. Now, imagine if we'd never seen this incredibly charismatic and flamboyant human become the absolute legend that he was. This was the start of something fabulous and, just like with all fabulous moments in history, this wasn't a chance, it was destiny. This night, darling, was absolutely history in the making! And get this, it's a testament to the enduring power of drag.
I spent my entire time at the Cabaret Voltaire soaking in the electric atmosphere, shimmying alongside some truly exquisite performers in their wonderfully over-the-top outfits. The entire scene was a whirl of glittering costumes, incredible hair, bold makeup, and some serious theatrics! The crowd was a blend of the avant-garde and those who simply wanted a bit of good old-fashioned, fabulous fun.
My dearest time-travelling tip for today: Letās be real, 1968 wasn't the most inclusive decade for everyone, but for those bold and brave enough to defy norms and make a statement, it was truly a time to shine. Don't be afraid to embrace your own inner drag queen! Whether you want to get a little avant-garde with makeup and style or find that hidden sassy soul within, the key to a fantastic drag experience is always to enjoy yourself and let your personality shine through. Remember, darling, every drag performance, whether in a tiny underground club or a grand theater, has the potential to make an impact. Don't just perform, let yourself get lost in the magic, and, of course, have the time of your life! Because as we know, drag is always going to be fab, even in the most challenging of times.
And now, letās bring it back to the heart of our time travelling shenanigansā¦you bet! You can already picture me twirling around the Cabaret Voltaire in my dazzling pink tutu! But, darling, my favourite part of this adventure, well, it wasnāt the crazy performances (though those were truly brilliant), it wasnāt even Divineās incredible talentā¦no, it was the joy and the energy and the absolute celebration of individuality. That, my dearies, is something truly unique and wonderful that, despite the sometimes turbulent nature of times gone by, keeps our dear drag community forever shining bright.
Donāt forget to check out my other posts on the www.pink-tutu.com website and follow me on all social media channels - just search āPink Tutu!ā My monthly blogs, you see, they arenāt just about dazzling times and iconic events in drag history - they're also about showcasing what it truly means to embrace a little pink tutu magic in your life. Whether itās dressing up with your best pals or letting your inner glitter out at your next event, let's spread a little bit of sparkle and excitement across the world, together, darling! Remember, darling, everyone deserves to be seen in their finest pink tutu glory!
Until next month! Stay sparkly, my lovelies.
Love, Emma xx
