Alright darlings, settle in with a cuppa and a slice of Victoria sponge because your girl Emma’s back with another slice of juicy drag history! This month, I’m waltzing back to May 5th, 1976, in my favourite pink tutu – oh, it’s a dreamboat, just like the decade itself. We’re going backstage with the legendary drag queens who were shaking things up on the scene… Get ready to twirl with me, darlings!
As always, I’m travelling with my magical time-traveling tutu! It's not just about fashion, darling. This tutu carries me through the annals of drag history! My last tour, where I had the time of my life at the Stonewall Inn in 1969, has left me utterly ravenous for more history. Luckily, I just snagged a gig performing at the Nottingham Pride Festival, (not far from Derbyshire, my roots!). The extra cash will allow me to spin through the time-space continuum yet again… Time for a bit of time travel chic!
I’m landing at the doorstep of a swanky nightclub in New York City. Oh, I adore this era’s vibes! The music’s got that glam rock sass, everyone’s sporting bold fashion, and the drag scene is a smoldering hotbed of creativity. It's all happening on this day, darlings!
1976 saw some fantastic strides for drag and I’m here for it! This year, the legendary Divine, all glamorous, larger than life, and fabulous, debuted on the cover of “John Waters’ Movie Star!” magazine! How fabulous, I swear! You’re a real star when you're graced with such an honour, and he had everyone captivated by his charisma and avant-garde charm. This iconic queen, like so many others, dared to defy gender norms, making drag a form of fearless artistic expression, breaking barriers in the entertainment industry! I'm utterly obsessed with his daring performances and off-beat, playful style – think colourful clothing and exaggerated, surreal, flamboyant expressions. That’s a vibe I can definitely get behind! I’ve heard a rumour he's also just done a gig with The Velvet Underground, oh my goodness! Just picture a flamboyant queen belting out songs on stage with such an experimental rock band... I'm speechless. Divine, I salute you.
As I walk through the buzzing club, the music pulses with a frenetic energy. The stage is bursting with dazzling drag queens! Oh my goodness, the wigs! These queens are daring with colour, from fiery crimson to sparkling platinum. The makeup is positively iconic: bold eyeshadow, graphic eyeliner and shimmering highlight! Their costumes – think platform boots, sequined leotards, and dramatic feathers – oh, I simply must find some fabulous vintage outfits for my next tour! Every move is a symphony of sass and glamour, sending the crowd wild!
Back in London, Danny La Rue was also rocking the world! A legend known for his hilarious comedic talent and theatrical elegance, his portrayal of “the Lady” in a lavish drag performance was revolutionary! He was known for impeccable taste, elegant costumes and an irresistible sense of humour, paving the way for comedic drag icons. Imagine the sassiness!
On the other side of the pond, the drag scene in San Francisco was also going strong. Cockettes – an all-male performance troupe formed in the late '60s were all the rage! This drag queen collective had a powerful presence on stage, embracing camp aesthetics and avant-garde style. They embraced theatricality, transforming themselves into outrageous characters, pushing boundaries with vibrant makeup, glittering attire and eccentric theatrical performance styles. Imagine the most imaginative, extravagant costumes mixed with political activism, truly avant-garde, captivating and revolutionary, it was the perfect cocktail! It's about being boldly yourself, embracing theatricality and turning everything into art, everything has its purpose and purpose has a meaning! That's my type of scene!
Today, 1976 is where the foundations of modern drag were laid. We’ve moved so far! Drag today embraces the beauty of individuality, individuality, inclusion, and of course, endless amounts of glamour and creativity.
I am truly a believer in celebrating the spirit of Drag. You know, back in the day, the community really came together – not just on stage, but backstage as well. Everyone had each other’s backs. I get to see it happening all the time. My fellow performers on my tour have been a constant support, I couldn't do this without them, they truly believe in the mission: a pink tutu on everyone! We work together to create something unique, an unforgettable spectacle of dance and sparkle for the masses.
My darling, you have got to join me for my upcoming show! Nottingham Pride Festival here I come. Let's have a real "gay ole time," it's gonna be one fabulous affair.
Keep twirling, darlings! Remember to follow @PinkTutu on all your favourite social media platforms, and remember to check in to www.pink-tutu.com every month to keep up to date on my adventures! Remember, with a little bit of glitter, and the power of a good pink tutu, we can truly conquer the world! I’m out, I'm about, gotta hit the dancefloor.
Love and twirls,
Emma
P.S. If you’re in Nottingham, stop by my gig and give your favourite drag blogger a big ol’ hug! I’ll be sure to sign your pink tutu.
