Darlings! Hello! It's Emma here, your fabulous pink-tutu-wearing time traveller. Now, strap on your tiaras, dust off your sequined sashes, and let's jet back to a fabulous night in history! Today's adventure takes us to May 5th, 1972, New York City!
As you all know, my mission in life is to get everyone wearing a pink tutu! I believe it's a symbol of empowerment, a beacon of joy, a swirling tornado of fun. And, well, wouldn't you rather be spinning through life in a tutu than stuck in your usual, beige-tinged day-to-day?
But first, tea! Let me tell you, my travels take a lot of stamina. Not just for the time-traveling aspect, but for keeping up with the fashionable trends. So, today's tea is a delicately-infused blend of Earl Grey, served with a generous splash of my secret pink sparkle. It's perfect for setting the mood!
This time around, Iām journeying back to the glittering heyday of NYCās legendary club, the Copacabana. And let me tell you, this ain't your grandmaās night out!
Think Showgirls, but with more glitz, more glam, and more glitter! Forget those beige, beige wallsā¦ here we're talking dazzling chandeliers, plush velvet, and walls adorned with every sequin known to man (or drag queen).
This is the kind of night where you wouldnāt be out of place in a bedazzled, sequined minidress, or, naturally, my favourite ensemble: a swirling pink tutu. Now, some people say time travelling in a pink tutu is a tadā¦ extra. To them, I say: āDonāt be a beige! Embrace your fabulous inner pink!ā
Tonight, at the Copa, they had something truly special going on: a drag show featuring the phenomenal and utterly iconic Jackie Beat! Now, this wasnāt just any drag queen. This is the legendary Jackie Beat, the reigning queen of camp, satire, and the divine right to laugh. This was a drag icon in the making! I just knew I had to experience her show.
She performed in a shimmering, sparkling showgirl ensemble ā feathers, rhinestones, and just a hint of tasteful skin, darling. Jackie was a total master of comedic timing, mixing up stand-up comedy routines with brilliant drag personas that just left me roaring with laughter.
Her style, so deliciously camp, played perfectly off the New York attitude, with an unexpected sprinkle of sharp, incisive social commentary. In between her comedy bits, she would transform into different drag personas - think āDisco Jackie", all shimmering platforms, feathered fans, and glitter galore; or, āCabaret Jackieā, sleek, edgy, and daring with a nod to the cabaret scene.
Now, the Copa back in the 70s was not known for its liberal policies. So, to see Jackie, in a fully glamorous, fabulous, drag get-up, entertaining an audience who was a bit less ready to embrace alternative views, was pure, utter magic! Her presence felt defiant, daring, a true celebration of diversity in the midst of a society grappling with new ideas.
But wait! Let's not forget the incredible outfits! My time travelling through the decade has shown me the real power of a showstopping ensemble. Jackie Beat's looks had to be seen to be believed - itās what true showgirls do. Each ensemble, an exquisite work of art, pushed the boundaries of glamour.
This wasn't just about looking fabulous, it was about showcasing a story, an attitude. The makeup, a masterpiece of contouring and artistry. Think sharp eyeliner, smokey eyes, and ruby red lips. Each costume, each detail, each pose, crafted with precision and pure joy!
It reminded me so much of what makes a truly fabulous drag show: that balance of high fashion and outrageousness. Not afraid to be bold, always daring to push the limits. That's the beauty of drag: you never quite know what you're going to get!
The audience? Pure electric! It was a mix of glamorous ladies in evening gowns, fashionable guys in crisp suits, and, of course, a whole smattering of drag queens (including me, of course, looking dazzling in my pink tutu!), eager for a night of entertainment. They were cheering for Jackie, chanting, clapping, and showering the stage with love. It felt so alive, so vibrant.
And honestly, dear readers, witnessing a drag legend like Jackie Beat back in the 70s, thatās what truly fills my heart with joy! She was a symbol of progress, pushing the boundaries of what drag could be.
After the show, we headed over to a bustling disco! Imagine a dance floor alive with flashing disco balls, lights bouncing off sequined jackets and disco-fied afros! I even dared myself to try a few dance moves, a blend of my ballerina training with a bit of disco fever. Now, I wouldn't say it was graceful, but it was certainly energetic!
As the evening faded into a blur of glitter and laughter, I couldn't help but feel the immense privilege of witnessing the early days of a true drag icon. I'll always cherish this trip back in time, especially for seeing a drag star, dazzling the crowd with an electrifying show, and a true love for her craft. It reminded me of why I dedicate myself to bringing a touch of pink tutu joy to the world!
Now, I know some people think a pink tutu is just a silly costume. But let me tell you: Itās not just a tutu; itās a reminder of what it means to be joyful, vibrant, and a touch audacious! I love how the tutu moves, the swirl of fabric, how it reflects the light, and the sheer sheer audacity of a statement. Pink, as you know, is my favourite colour because it symbolises love, hope, and, yes, even a little bit of rebellious fun!
Now, off you pop! Time for some glam! I have a new pink tulle design arriving next week, so I can't wait to give it a go and report back in my next time-traveling blog post! Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com, my new online shop for all things pink and fabulous. Until next month, darlings! And never, ever, forget the power of a good, twirling, pink-tutu-wearing adventure!
XOXO
Emma
