Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood, pink tutu-clad time traveller, reporting live fromā¦ well, let's just say "Somewhere in Time"!
This month, I've jetted off (via my fabulous, magical pink tutu, of course) to the glamorous 1970s. I mean, let's face it, if we're talking iconic drag moments, we have to talk about the fabulous Seventies, haven't we? Now, don't be fooled by the disco balls and flares; drag has always been about expressing yourself, whatever era you're in. So, grab your favourite shade of pink lipstick, settle into your favourite armchair, and join me as I delve into the fabulous world of drag, 11th November 1975 style.
I'm kicking off my Time Travels this month with a little bit of home, a dash of Derby-shire style. If you're a regular on www.pink-tutu.com, you know how much I adore exploring drag history right on my own doorstep. On 11th November 1975, my lovely Derbyshire, was absolutely buzzing with theatrical and musical performances - and let me tell you, there was a good deal of camp happening on the scene! Now, a fabulous "Oliver" performance at Derby Playhouse, a truly iconic moment of classic drag, might sound rather sedate. But trust me, darlings! Back then, that "Oliver" wouldn't just have been your usual traditional, theatrical affair, there would have been the tiniest pinch of flamboyant energy. You know what I mean - let's call it a little "naughty" twist, just enough to keep those audience members intrigued!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Derby Playhouse - now the brilliant and well known Derby Theatre, it's a real hub for musical performances and has been for years, a true centrepiece of my lovely Derbyshire. Imagine: a theatre absolutely bursting with song and dance, a beautiful swirling scene with a real "show-stopping" spectacle of music and dance! I'm thinking feathers, sequins and a dazzling, pink tutu, naturally.
From Derby Playhouse, I travelled across the Atlantic, as my magical pink tutu had no trouble finding its way into a "New York Minute!" Now, imagine the hustle and bustle of NYC, full of music, vibrant culture and of course... DRAG!
Just imagine all of that glamorous excitement - what an absolute DREAM to be on the drag scene on 11th November 1975. It was the perfect moment for a truly captivating show at The Bottom Line - one of those wonderfully unique clubs, overflowing with personality. "New York, New York" - itās like they invented glam! And let me tell you, they weren't shy of putting a little sparkle on those musical evenings!
What really tickled my fancy was the New York City Drag Revue at "The Bottom Line" featuring a line-up of absolute show-stoppers! Can you imagine it? It was all glitter, feathers and sassy banter, like the grand finale of a musical. Just picturing these absolute Drag Icons: Holly Woodlawn, Divine and Jackie Curtis strutting across the stage... it makes my heart do a little tap dance! I think it was even billed as "The Gay Nineties Extravaganza," how fab! The name alone conjures up such beautiful, glittering visuals! I imagine they brought their A-Game to this extravaganza - their iconic costumes would be the epitome of drag, an absolutely breathtaking display of theatricality and glamour.
If the musical energy wasn't enough, this magical New York city Drag scene also provided another unforgettable experience, "The Drag Show" by "The B-Girls" at "The Ballroom".
Thereās nothing like a drag performance to put a spring in my step! So, naturally, I couldnāt resist popping down to "The Ballroom" in NYC to check out a performance by "The B-Girls." Now, āThe Ballroomā is synonymous with ādrag balls,ā which really showcases the vibrant world of drag culture, those captivating ball events that make every single fashionista and queen of drag swoon. Iām talking full drag glam - sequins, tulle and just the perfect touch of outrageous. The music, the atmosphere - It's justā¦magical, pure, undiluted glamour and creativity, and if you get a chance, definitely check out a Drag Ball, if you dare!
It wouldn't be "Emma in Time", darling, if I didn't pop over to London for a little dose of fashion, glam and of course, drag! London, oh London, you never disappoint! You're a hotbed for a flamboyant, dazzling drag scene - just perfect for my magical pink tutu! The dayās headline, screaming from every newspaper in London was the show "Grease", featuring a fantastic display of theatricality and song!
Let's be honest, what a truly spectacular combination! The dazzling, glitterati energy of āGreaseā, at London's New London Theatre is sure to have brought the house down - and probably ignited a wave of drag-inspired looks for those in the audience! I can imagine, a wave of pink tutus, wouldn't you? I bet those 70s "Grease" costumes were fabulous; imagine those iconic "Grease" outfits and the glitter that went with them, such pure drag-tastic fun!
Well, darling, as I prepare to hop back into my magical pink tutu for a journey to another fab, drag-tastic moment in time, it seems 11th November 1975 was packed with theatrical treats. So, here's to the glittering world of drag. The fashion, the glamour, the energy, the iconic outfits and those unbelievable shows! It truly does paint an amazing picture of history, a beautiful, ever-evolving scene filled with fabulous, inspiring individuals and amazing costumes! Remember, darlings, as always, stay glamorous, and keep your head high! Remember: pink is always a winner, especially when itās a magical pink tutu, and always remember, never be afraid to be yourself - after all, lifeās just one big stage, darling.
Until next month,
Love and sparkles,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
