Hello my darlings! Emma here, your fabulous pink tutu-clad time-travelling drag queen extraordinaire! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com, where I chronicle my dazzling escapades through the glamorous annals of drag history! And guess what, dearies? Todayâs date is especially exciting. Weâre diving into the world of drag on the 10th of October, 1977, and honey, let me tell you, the energy is electric! This, my loves, was a moment in history. Buckle up, because things are about to get positively fabulous!
This is my 694th blog post, darlings! And the energy today is just divine. Let's get into the glitz and glam, shall we?
I slipped on my magic pink tutu this morning, feeling utterly divine, and bam! Transported to New York City, 1977. The air buzzed with excitement, a vibrant thrum of creativity pulsing through the streets. This was a time when drag, my dearies, wasnât just on stage. It was part of the everyday tapestry of the city, bursting with life on the sidewalks and in the underground clubs.
You know, darling, 1977 was such a time of cultural upheaval! Music was evolving at lightning speed, punk rock was kicking things up a notch, disco was the heartbeat of the nation, and fashion? Well, fashion was a wild adventure! There was so much energy and possibility.
The main draw for me this time around was the opening of the Cockettes, darling! The legendary, absolutely iconic, troupe of theatrical rebels who challenged everything and made it all glitter! They had their very first production of "The Jewel" at the Theatre for the New City in New York! Oh my stars! This group, a radical mixture of performance art, drag and vaudeville, took a sledgehammer to traditional notions of art, theatre and beauty! And I must confess, they werenât all my cup of tea!
The Cockettes, in true bohemian fashion, pushed the boundaries with their uninhibited performances, showcasing wild costumes, a riot of color and a complete disregard for conventional beauty standards.
Can you even imagine? I'd be sitting there watching, taking in the wild chaos, thinking, "This is going to change everything."
To truly soak in the 1977 vibe, you had to dive into the bustling scene at the Gallery nightclub. A cornerstone of New York's underground drag scene, The Gallery was like a magnetic pull, attracting a truly eclectic mix. This wasnât your typical drag scene â there were no âgirls in gowns.â The Gallery drew in androgynous artists, fashion-forward folks, performance artists, and all manner of glamorous beings.
I made my way through the throngs, feeling the energy crackle in the air. And right in the middle of all this magic? Jackie Curtis was gracing the stage. This drag icon was a whirlwind of talent â a singer, a dancer, an actor, and a writer, too! She was this unique blend of gender-bending theatricality, captivating hearts with her fearless attitude and unapologetically theatrical performances.
My darlings, I couldnât leave NYC without indulging in a little shopping, could I? My mission? To find some fabulously kitsch, vintage attire. Oh my stars! This city was a treasure trove! My bag overflowed with feathered boas, sequinned jackets, and enough leopard print to satisfy a pack of panthers. My darling, I felt fabulous!
You know, seeing the energy of NYCâs underground scene, I canât help but think of the impact that drag has on our world. Drag, my loves, isnât just entertainment. Itâs about embracing self-expression, pushing boundaries, challenging societal norms, and, of course, having a ridiculously good time!
From the Cockettes' theatrical rebellions to the vibrant community at the Gallery, 1977 proved that drag wasn't just about performing on stage - it was about being loud, proud, and a little bit out there. This, darling, is what makes the history of drag so captivating. It's a beautiful reflection of the ever-evolving spirit of creativity, and letâs not forget the fashion. It was daring and extravagant, with a touch of camp!
Next month, my darlings, we're taking a trip down memory lane to the land of down under - Australia! It's gonna be absolutely sparkling!
Till then, keep spreading the pink tutu love! And darling, if you haven't yet, please share your pink tutu fashion moments! I'd love to see how you wear yours!
See you next month for the next fabulous episode of Pink Tutu Travels, my darlings! Don't forget to check out our online community forum where we share all our pink tutu adventures at www.pink-tutu.com.
With love and glitter,
Emma
xx