Darling, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your one-stop shop for all things sparkly, sassy, and spectacular! This month, your fabulous Pink Tutu fairy godmother (that's me, Emma, your favourite Derbyshire queen!) has taken a little jaunt back to the 70s - more specifically, to the electrifying and fabulous city of New York, on the 4th of April 1977!
The weather was gloriously sunny, making the perfect setting for my time-travelling pink tutu, a creation by the fabulous local Derbyshire designer, Barry. Barry loves to embellish, so this tutu has all the sparkles, rhinestones, and frills my heart could desire. Honestly, darlings, it was like a pink explosion of glamour!
This time-hopping adventure led me to The Bottom Line, a legendary NYC club. My darlings, it was the absolute bee's knees! Everyone was dressed in a wild mix of glam rock and disco chic. Honestly, the fashion alone was enough to make me twirl! My eyes were practically popping out of my head with delight!
But it wasn't just about the outfits, darlings! It was about the music! Disco fever was gripping New York and everyone was dancing! The DJs were spinning tracks by the likes of Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor, making my soul shimmy! And oh, the performers! They were truly out of this world. From glamorous drag queens lip-syncing their hearts out to the best rock and roll musicians in town - this night was an explosion of creative energy and artistic passion!
I mean, what could be better than watching iconic figures like New York’s original drag king, Jacky Johnson, who absolutely slayed with a passionate performance of ‘God Save the Queen’ - a real iconic moment that everyone was buzzing about. There was even a drag act I spotted called "The Harpies," a group of dazzling drag queens who looked divine in shimmering gowns and extravagant headdresses. Let me tell you, it was enough to give Diana Ross a run for her money!
But don't get me wrong, the night wasn't just about performers. It was also about community, love, and celebrating all things fabulous. Everyone felt accepted and encouraged to be themselves, a true haven for the glamorous, the creative, and the fabulous! The crowd were simply buzzing with excitement!
However, this particular date wasn’t only buzzing about the incredible entertainment scene. The night before, The New York Times had featured an article about the iconic drag queen Divine, a truly trailblazing figure known for her over-the-top personality and striking performances.
Speaking of over-the-top, this era really knew how to get the party started. It wasn't just about drag performances though, there were all kinds of fun ways for the local queer community to express themselves! You could dance the night away at venues like the famous The Continental Baths where Sylvia Rivera, a pioneer in the fight for LGBTQ rights, was making waves. Honestly, the place was brimming with drag performances, live music, and pure, unadulterated fun. It was a true testament to the vibrant and rebellious spirit of the times!
That very night, there was a fascinating film premiere called "The Ritz, a comedic flick showcasing a riotously campy story about drag queens and all things outrageous.
Honestly, darling, I feel like I have barely scratched the surface! It seems the 70s was a time for a real shake up in the world of drag, challenging gender norms and redefining what it meant to be fabulous.
Oh, and a little sneak peek at the fashion: let me tell you, the disco fashion in New York was something else! Sparkly platforms, tight trousers, dazzling sequined shirts, and plenty of glitter and fur, oh my! It was truly the dawn of the glamorous!
I've got to say, my darlings, seeing the scene in 1977 New York really showed me how far drag has come. Seeing the energy, the talent, and the sheer resilience of the performers gave me so much inspiration!
The key to understanding drag, you know, isn’t just about the glitter, makeup, and theatricality, it's about the powerful expression of individuality and freedom. It's about challenging societal norms, celebrating self-expression, and proving that anyone, anywhere can be fabulous.
This journey through time once again reinforced how important it is to keep spreading that message of self-love, acceptance, and, most importantly, being fabulous!
So darlings, go out there, wear your hearts on your sleeves, and be brave enough to wear a pink tutu, if that’s your style! That's my little bit of advice for today! Until next month, stay fab and keep dancing!
Much love,
Emma xoxo
Pink Tutu Travels, www.pink-tutu.com
