Darlings, you've simply got to put on your best pink tutu, grab a cuppa, and settle in for this extra special trip through time with your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma. Today's date? November 11th, 1973, and my darlings we are stepping into the heart of an era that's practically begging for a splash of pink tutu magic!
As you know, I am all about that pink tutu life - it's my way of connecting to the drag divas of yore, those magnificent pioneers who dare to be different, who dared to push boundaries with their incredible drag. Today, I’m feeling especially chuffed about being able to take you on a trip to the 70s. The energy in the air was so electric back then - all glitter, all sequins, and a healthy dose of that iconic 70s sass. Think feathered boas, bell-bottoms, and platform shoes – enough to give you the most dramatic of strut-your-stuff-with-pride walks, darlings!
The Show Must Go On! - Drag Scene 1973First stop: New York City, home to some of the most groundbreaking drag scenes the world has ever known. Now, if you think the queens in NYC are serving looks today, just imagine how the divas of 1973 were doing things! Picture this, dear reader: it’s a time when drag balls, with all their fabulous costumes and competition categories, were just starting to take flight. Think Paris Is Burning, but with a little bit more 70s disco flavour – think Donna Summer and The Bee Gees, and all the flamboyant glamour that went with those tunes!
Oh, and don't forget those underground drag venues! There were speakeasies, bars, and secret locations bursting with incredible talent. Some say there were even some real stars posing as mere patrons – the entertainment industry in New York City has always been a stage for so many people. It's that thrilling combination of art, fantasy, and spectacle that keeps my drag-loving heart thumping, darlings!
Now, over to London, dearie, because the English queens are truly serving! It's more of the same scene here in London, all sass, glamour, and tons of creative energy! These queens aren't afraid to experiment with makeup and costumes; you’ll see looks and trends that really kick-started some major movements in drag history, believe me!
Think of drag shows taking place in venues like The Stage, a Soho bar that quickly became an iconic spot for drag enthusiasts, hosting some of the biggest names in British drag. The club is still there to this day, so you’ll have to get down there on a visit if you want a taste of what London's 70s drag scene must have been like. I promise it’s magical, even to this day, and a great spot to try on one of your fabulous pink tutus!
I’ve even read about a drag performer called 'Betty Bloomer' (how adorable is that?!) in Edinburgh. Imagine a woman performing as a woman at a time when you simply couldn't go down the street dressed as you felt. What incredible bravery – it gives me goosebumps.
Tutu Travels: Across the PondFrom England, I’ve found my way onto a magical ocean liner! Think fabulous gowns, a bit of dancing in a lavish salon, and an ever-growing pink tutu-wearing club! I know this sounds strange, but darling, the magic of this time machine makes you appreciate all things! So, naturally, a vintage pink tutu would be just as fabulous in this historical context as any haute couture ensemble, don't you think?
We’re making our way to Paris, the fashion capital of the world! If London’s drag was rebellious and experimental, the Paris scene was all about finesse and elegance – think glamorous soirées and a real je ne sais quoi energy. Even if some of you readers wouldn’t find yourselves going into a club in pink for fear of judgment in modern society, trust me, the Parisian vibe back in 1973 would make you feel just like a stylish and bold diva. It's just so important to remember the history of what we've fought for; we’re in a magical place when we can express ourselves however we want!
And think, just imagine strutting into a club like "Chez Régine," a very exclusive disco club that was a true hotbed for fashion, celebrities, and a very chic drag scene. If that doesn’t make you want to spin in your pink tutu then nothing will!
From there, darling, my travels bring me flying to New York City on the first Concorde flight! You better believe, I brought along my trusty pink tutu as a special addition to my fabulous flight look for the momentous occasion! A glamorous flight, a glamorous tutu! Always make an entrance, darling, wherever you are, and be the fabulous diva that you were born to be!
## From the Past to the Present: What We’ve Learned
11th November, 1973: it's just a date in history, but a date that represents an era of great drag revolution, especially in London, New York, and Paris. These cities were bubbling with talent, daring queens pushing boundaries and establishing new definitions of what drag could be. Imagine what it must have been like, just imagine! I do.
These queens are the ones that we can learn from: they opened up opportunities that we don’t even realise, and built a pathway for future generations to achieve so much!
They were truly the originators of the modern drag world and we owe it to them to keep the pink tutus flying! It’s about bringing joy, love, and laughter to everyone.
Oh, I know I keep going on about this adorable pink tutu but trust me, this is more than a bit of fluff. For me, the tutu is a symbol of embracing life and being yourself, with joy and with pride.
Let's spread the joy of the pink tutu and be the stars of our own story, darling! Let’s keep embracing our inner queen!
See you on the internet, Emma
PS. Follow my social media pages (linked on this website www.pink-tutu.com ) to see photos of all my outfits on my time travel adventures and where I’ll be going next! And check out my monthly blog - it’s going up soon!
P.P.S. Have you been on a pink tutu adventure lately? Share your story below, and remember – always wear it with pride!
*About the Blogger: *
Emma, an enchanting, 20-something queen, hails from Derbyshire, England, and is currently a pink tutu aficionado with an unparalleled love of drag, ballet, and history. Her desire to get people wearing pink tutus has made her time travel adventures possible, and if it weren’t for the adorable magic of her magical pink tutu, who knows where she would end up!
