Hello my darling darlings, it's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling, drag-obsessed ballerina, Emma, here! This month, my magical tutu has whisked me back to the vibrant 1970s, and believe me, my dears, this decade had a whole lotta drag magic brewing!
Before I whisk you back to the glittering 12th December, 1970, allow me to fill you in on my latest exploits. This month's show at The Rusty Tap was a smash hit! They've got the best chips in Derbyshire, and I managed to snaffle a few between my dance numbers. The applause was deafening and my signature pink tutu did not go unnoticed. The other queens were absolutely fabulous in their sequinned jumpsuits, fishnets, and platforms, but nothing shines brighter than a well-crafted pink tutu, you know?
Speaking of tutus, my latest time-travel took me straight to New York City, to the Village, that epicentre of drag brilliance, and I can't even describe the amazing drag looks I saw there! One particularly incredible queen, wearing a full-length shimmering gown, topped it off with an actual real live feather boa, draped right from her shoulders. Imagine it!
Back to our time travel trip. The date is 12th December 1970. This day is special for us drag-lovers for a couple of reasons! Firstly, imagine my delight - a big, grand ball featuring drag queens, complete with awards for "Miss Glam" and "Most Beautiful Drag," happened in this very date! And guess where? San Francisco, home to one of the most famous gay nightclubs, "The Cockettes."
The Cockettes, a glorious, glorious troupe, were known for their campy, theatrical drag shows. I'm talking big wigs, wild costumes, even drag kings. And trust me, they had plenty of fabulous ladies with elaborate tutus! They mixed it up, this lot, performing in theatre, cabaret, on the street - the possibilities seemed endless! I hear there was a lot of laughter, singing, dancing - it sounds like a perfect night to me!
I had a sneaky peek inside the venue (with the help of my pink tutu magic, naturally). Oh darling, what I saw! Glitter and sequins everywhere, feathers flowing, ladies (and some gents, believe you me!) flaunting their flamboyant looks. And there was this queen, so elegant, she had me utterly smitten. I think it was a performance of "The Cockettes Present," a theatrical, psychedelic celebration of everything wild and fabulous. There was so much energy, and so much freedom - the Cockettes certainly weren't afraid to push boundaries. They became famous for these kinds of street performances and radical, rebellious drag.
There’s something so enchanting about a place that nurtures creative spirits, and the San Francisco of 1970 was full of energy, with drag queens leading the charge! You’ve got to admire those queens – they had the bravery to push their art into the mainstream, into public spaces.
But it wasn’t just San Francisco rocking out to drag on the 12th December! Back in NYC, drag was making waves in another incredible place, "The Pyramid Club." It was a funky spot, loved by artists and LGBTQ+ folk, especially for drag shows, concerts, and even avant-garde theatre performances! The Pyramid Club hosted all kinds of talents, with DJs and drag queens sharing the stage. It truly had a big influence on the nightlife scene. Imagine, the whole world seeing what we love, the passion, the laughter, the art, and yes, even the politics!
Now, speaking of politics, we drag queens aren't just about feathers and fun, you know. Back in the ‘70s, a wave of change was happening, particularly the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and our queen-ly brothers and sisters were part of that fight, especially the drag scene in New York City. That’s because drag queens, we're powerful! Not only do we deliver stellar performances and fabulous looks, we’re brave and confident, unapologetic, a source of inspiration and resistance, a defiant force. We always push boundaries.
So on that very 12th December 1970, the spirit of boldness and resistance was already shining through in the world of drag. It felt so exhilarating and energizing. This generation of drag queens really set the scene for the movement we’ve all benefited from, showing the world that being your true self, being unafraid, is what makes life so much more fun and magical!
Remember, my dear lovelies, history repeats itself. Every time we dress up and let our true colours shine, we honour the courageous drag pioneers who made it possible for us to sashay into a more fabulous and accepting future. So let's keep the magic alive, strut our stuff, and let the pink tutu revolution continue!
Keep an eye out for the next post at www.pink-tutu.com next month, and don’t forget, my darling darlings, it's not enough to just love pink, it’s about being pink. Until then, I hope you keep shining brighter than a rhinestone tiara and live your life as loud and proudly as a pink tutu in a tornado.
Until next time,
XOXO,
Emma
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