Darling! 💅 Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! September's already flown by like a feather boa in a hurricane, hasn't it? But don't you worry, my little darlings, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller is back with another fab-u-lous adventure! This time, we're venturing back to a time when bell bottoms ruled, the disco beat thumped in your chest, and… well, let's just say the world was a bit more free. I'm talking September 7th, 1974 - a date that holds a very special place in the history of drag, specifically for me! You see, darling, it's the day I stumbled upon the Cockettes - a theatrical, gloriously over-the-top group of performers who truly lived life as a stage production!
Imagine, dear readers, a group of wonderfully flamboyant and theatrical drag queens who saw the world as their stage, a drag troop who were, dare I say it, the real life "Hairspray" and "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" combined - all before these films were even dreamed of. It was like a chaotic, artistic circus led by a bunch of glorious drag queens, a true embodiment of theatrical glamour and wild performance.
Now, this blog wouldn't be true to its name without a little talk about the fabulous pink tutus, right? Of course, the Cockettes wouldn't be caught dead without their extravagant, outrageous costumes, including those gorgeous pink tutus - perfect for swirling and twirling to their incredible musical numbers. 💃 And, to add some "sparkle" to their lives, (literally!) their flamboyant costumes were often covered in rhinestones, sequins, and beads - enough glitter to make a disco ball blush. Oh darling, let me tell you - my little pink tutu would've been absolutely positively "shook" in a good way! And they called themselves "The Cockettes" because, well, it simply couldn't get more fabulous than that! 😂 Think about it darling! It's utterly iconic.
Now, where was I? Ah yes, September 7th, 1974. I, a mere 20-year-old from Derbyshire, decided to jump into my magical pink tutu time machine (my little secret, darling, you just wouldn't believe it!) and went to see the Cockettes perform at their iconic space at The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco! It was a night filled with joy, liberation, and the most fabulous performances I had ever witnessed! They embraced the weird, the wonderful, and, let's be honest, they gave absolutely zero f*cks. They embraced their artistic visions and proudly celebrated who they were - fabulous drag queens! They weren't just performers; they were a whole artistic movement, expressing their artistic and personal freedom through performance. They defied social expectations and celebrated diversity, which I found simply captivating!
Speaking of iconic and fabulous, the Cockettes also embraced fashion like no other drag troop ever had. It was a world of beautiful bright, clashing, colorful fabrics, patterns, sequins, and everything over the top and dazzling. They broke away from the “masculine” and “feminine” boundaries - a true fashion rebel and an inspiration for so many drag queens who have come after. Let’s face it darling, I mean who needs fashion rules? Rules were meant to be broken, darling. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, just look at the Cockettes, these fabulous artists dared to push the boundaries.
Remember those iconic photographs, Darling? The Cockettes weren't just about fabulous costumes and makeup. Their performances often incorporated the outrageous and unconventional, pushing the boundaries of drag and theater in a way that was unprecedented.
It's safe to say the Cockettes left an enduring legacy. It’s the kind of legacy that leaves you screaming “YAASSSSSSSSSS QUEEN” at the top of your lungs, dear!
What a day! It was as fabulous as a night at a drag show in Vegas, which I will definitely time travel to, my dears, I just have to plan for the pink tutu to take me! ✨ So much was happening in the world of drag back then. You see, in those days, the concept of “gender expression” and the “performance of drag” weren't so openly explored as they are today. But let me tell you, the Cockettes helped change that.
For me, it was so liberating and eye-opening to witness these wonderful individuals unapologetically embrace their artistic visions and express their individual personalities - just by being their fabulous, fabulous selves. Their story serves as a testament to the power of drag to break down barriers and challenge norms! And don’t forget darlings, my mission in life is to spread the pink tutu joy, because a pink tutu can be your superpower, an escape to your own inner freedom! I believe everyone is beautiful, regardless of what they choose to wear or express, just like those beautiful Cockettes showed us. I want you all to find your pink tutu moment - even if it means you’re twirling your way to an 80’s themed roller disco and getting a disco fever from all that twirling - we need to get that glitter all over the place, darling, even in Derbyshire!
But, just like a good show, there is a curtain to be called on, so I must be off. Until next month, dear readers, keep that inner pink tutu glowing! Stay tuned for next month's trip!
Love, Emma xx 💋
PS. If you haven't checked out The Cockettes' incredible legacy - please do! 💫 There are lots of online resources and amazing films dedicated to these talented queens, especially those featuring their brilliant work at The Palace of Fine Arts Theater in San Francisco! Trust me, you will fall in love with their dazzling style, energy, and dedication to the art of performance. Just keep in mind, they really were pioneers in embracing self-expression, so hold onto your wigs darling, the energy of the Cockettes is a real game-changer for drag! 💋
