Hello my darlings! It’s your fabulous time-travelling ballerina queen, Emma, back again for another month of historical pink tutu shenanigans. I hope you’re all feeling positively radiant, because we’re going to be dipping our toes into the fascinating world of drag back in the late 70s today. Prepare to be swept off your feet, babes, because this trip's a real gem!
As always, the magical time-traveling pink tutu took me soaring through the years, and landed me right in the heart of 7th July 1979. My first order of business, naturally, was to find a truly fabulous drag show. Let me tell you, finding drag shows back then was a bit like finding a unicorn in a haystack - a truly magical feat. Luckily, I had a fantastic guide: a charming, older drag queen who I stumbled upon in a cafe while enjoying a delightful cream tea and gossiping with the locals about the price of lettuce (apparently, it was a real scandal, darling!).
Now, this darling had a look about her like a glamorous, glitter-covered librarian. All long, black hair pulled back in a chic chignon, cat-eye glasses perched on a perfectly arched nose, and a vibrant shade of red lipstick that I knew I had to replicate as soon as I got back to my own time!
She told me about a hidden underground club called “The Backstage,” located just off Oxford Street in London, with a legendary reputation for groundbreaking drag performances. The place was bustling with life, darling! From the moment I walked in, I was dazzled. Imagine: the walls lined with velvet curtains, strobing lights casting a magical glow, the aroma of cigarette smoke, and the sound of upbeat disco music thrumming in the air! The atmosphere was electric!
I took a seat at a little table tucked away in a corner and watched as the most spectacular acts took to the stage. The show, honey, was everything! We were treated to a beautiful medley of music and dance, featuring extravagant costumes and outrageous makeup. It was an absolute feast for the eyes, darling. One particular number featuring a drag queen in a shimmering, sequined silver gown that hugged her figure perfectly left me spellbound. She danced with such grace and strength, showcasing some truly remarkable contortionist moves! You know I’m a bit of a ballerina queen myself, so I just had to try a few steps myself, though my wobbly moves did get some curious looks from the crowd.
The performances, dear, were a blend of theatricality, camp humor, and unapologetic flair. The queens I saw were real pioneers! They dared to challenge traditional beauty standards and embraced the full spectrum of their femininity, owning it with such confidence!
And guess what, my darlings? While the crowd was thrilled to see the queen in the silver gown, she confessed that she’d had some trouble with the management over her performance. It turns out that a couple of grumpy old dears complained to the manager because they felt that her act was a bit too out there and “inappropriate.” My goodness, imagine, daring to express your art in such a bold way and being shut down by a few stuffy folks! You know what I say? If you can dream it, you can do it, and who knows what beauty will unfold!
In my opinion, it's truly empowering to witness these queens embracing their individuality and showcasing their talents to the world.
Oh! I did notice, on that very date in 1979, July 7th, the world of drag seemed to be celebrating something particularly exciting: a new cabaret called "The Cat's Meow" had opened in London, and it was buzzing with energy, darling! With performers known for their unique talents and out-of-this-world makeup, it was said to be the most vibrant and adventurous venue for drag shows in the capital. Imagine, all that glamor, a haven for dazzling talent, tucked away in the heart of London!
My time in the 70s was nothing short of a wild ride, but it made me realize just how important it is to fight for the right to express yourself, however extravagant or daring it may seem. After all, being able to stand on stage and shine your light brightly is the real beauty of the art form. It's an incredible gift to be able to inspire and touch the lives of others with your own unique brand of glamour and magic.
I can't wait to continue exploring the fabulous history of drag and I will be sharing more of my adventures, my darlings! So until next time, remember to embrace the pink, live life like a sparkling disco ball, and keep your chin up - your time to shine is just around the corner! Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com, darlings, to follow all my escapades, and be sure to share your own thoughts on the world of drag in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you! Now go out there, find a mirror, twirl your pink tutus, and shine, you gorgeous queens!
All my love, Emma xx
