Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu clad time traveller, and this month, I’m twirling back to the glorious year of 1969, November the 11th, to be precise! We’re talking groovy tunes, iconic looks, and of course, the glorious spectacle that was drag back then.
So, pull up a feather boa and settle in for some fabulously historical gossip, because you won't believe what I discovered on this fabulous journey through time!
The Tutu Travels Back! 🕰️
My pink time travelling tutu twirled me back to a chilly autumn day in 1969. I felt the familiar shiver of excitement as I stepped into the shimmering world of the past. Remember, darling, back then the internet was as common as a unicorn wearing a tea cosy. Information was a lot harder to find, which meant the adventure of discovery was even sweeter!
My trusty old guidebook was no help - all it said was: "November 11th 1969: Things will get a little crazy!” A little vague, I know, but trust me, that cryptic message is about to get very real!
First Stop - New York City, USA! 🗽
You know what they say - "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!” Well, darlings, it was in New York City that I found my first dazzling drag scene. The streets buzzed with energy, the music throbbed from underground clubs, and the flamboyant drag performances, well, let's just say they were wild, honey!
While there was still a lot of stigma around drag back then, the energy felt electric. Think disco lights, flamboyant outfits, and a sense of freedom and rebellion. The drag performers, oh, they were daring, pushing boundaries, and celebrating their individuality, and let's not forget the music! I'm talking about everything from the Beatles to Sly and the Family Stone, the energy was electric!
*New York was a hive of activity but even then, the Drag Scene was truly diverse! *
One of my favourite discoveries was the drag balls organised by the House of Extravaganza! These balls were absolutely iconic, with performers coming together to celebrate drag and show off their amazing style. Imagine feather boas, sequined gowns, and platform shoes, all glittering under the disco ball, oh, the spectacle was something else! These balls were about celebrating individuality, family, and the art of drag!
Of course, back then, there were still many struggles. Even in the late sixties, drag was far from being mainstreamed, and for the community, there was still a long way to go. But the sheer energy and defiance was inspiring! They were paving the way for what we see today - drag’s unstoppable rise to global stardom!
Next Stop, London, UK! 🇬🇧
No time-travelling trip is complete without a little jaunt across the pond, wouldn’t you agree, darlings? I was curious to see if the British drag scene had the same rebellious energy as its American counterpart. Let's just say I wasn't disappointed!
London’s club scene, especially in Soho, was full of fabulous performances! I found drag shows in pubs, underground clubs, even in secret underground spaces! You could catch performances, often in very small venues. It was a more intimate experience than in the bustling New York scene, but just as exciting!
While not as widely documented as the New York drag scene, London was already full of strong female performers. They were using their platforms to comment on social and political issues, blurring gender lines, and most importantly, having a good time!
One show that caught my eye was a production called "The Drag Extravaganza". I just HAD to see this! Imagine the scene: bright lights, flamboyant costumes, and talented performers pushing the boundaries of drag. It was a wild, fun-filled night, filled with music, dancing, and laughter. The energy was so contagious, I swear, my own tutu felt like it was ready to take off and join the fun!
Across The World, It’s The Year of The Tutu!
My time travelling tutu whisked me across the globe – to Tokyo, Paris, even Buenos Aires. There, in a little cafe tucked away in a Parisian alleyway, I stumbled across a charming book of ballet sketches.
Think flowing tutus, exquisite movement, and pure grace. This glimpse into the world of ballet made me realize that drag, with its emphasis on theatrical spectacle and pushing the boundaries of gender, is intricately linked to the art of ballet. It just made me realise how vital movement, theatricality, and costume are to both dance and drag!
As I zipped through time, from London’s club scene to Tokyo’s experimental theatre stages, I found that the world was becoming more connected.
And so, darling, as I return to my own time, the future is looking bright for drag! Just like 1969, today's drag community continues to challenge gender norms, fight for acceptance, and push artistic boundaries, all with a playful, and often outrageous, twist!
*So, darlings, embrace your inner fabulousness and wear your tutu with pride. After all, wearing pink is an act of rebellion in itself! 💖✨ Until next time, remember to keep shining brightly and be the beautiful, brave, and fabulous souls you are! *
Your Time-Traveling, Pink-Loving Emma! ✨
