Darlings, how's the weather in your neck of the woods? Here in Derbyshire, it's a gloriously sunny day, perfect for a spot of pink tulle sunbathing! But, before I soak up the rays and let the wind whisk my fabulous fringe into a flurry of perfection, I must tell you all about my latest time-traveling adventure!
As you know, I've been channeling my inner Cabaret and using my magic pink tutu for a spot of historical exploration. This month, I journeyed back to the 7th of July, 1981 – a date destined for glitter and fabulousness, dears! Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, 1981?! That's so last century!" And you'd be absolutely right! But darling, even though disco might have been on the wane, the spirit of drag was still burning brightly, just waiting for me to fan those flames of fabulousness with my pink tutu presence.
My first stop was a trip to The Roxy, a legendary NYC club that had already started to close its doors to drag by the time I landed. Honestly, darlings, you wouldn't believe the queens I encountered! Now, this might not be a revelation to you old timers, but in 1981, drag was about more than just sashaying in high heels and feathers. There was a real rawness, an underground spirit that pulsed with attitude. It was the perfect stage for queens like Divine (bless her perfectly plucked brows!) and Lady Bunny, two real forces of nature!
You see, 1981 was all about pushing boundaries. While drag was still mostly a nightclub phenomenon, some brave souls were pushing the envelope and taking their performances to new audiences. One such queen was the legendary Jackie Beat. This darling was creating her own brand of cabaret comedy, blending the subversive with the surreal, paving the way for so many queens to come. Her stage shows were truly avant-garde – a chaotic mix of razor-sharp wit, theatrical camp and outlandish outfits. A queen ahead of her time, Jackie Beat was bringing drag out of the club and into the cultural conversation, a testament to the power of drag's limitless possibilities.
Oh, and speaking of "the cultural conversation", darlings, I couldn't not mention the groundbreaking show "The Drag Report." Launched in 1979, this Emmy nominated, groundbreaking show truly paved the way for television's recognition of the drag community. While drag was already a flourishing underground scene, this show became the first glimpse of the powerful force that drag would eventually become. And with their dedication to celebrating the diversity of drag – with performers like the always amazing Miss Coco Peru, and the unforgettable Leigh Bowery – it was only a matter of time before the world started to truly appreciate the art of drag.
My time in 1981 was a whirl of glittered performances, backstage whispers, and of course, the most delicious, iconic outfits! This was an era where drag was pure unadulterated expression. The queens were truly creating art with their bodies and their clothes, and the result was stunning. And you know I, darling Emma, cannot resist a good shopping spree! Luckily, New York in 1981 was practically bursting at the seams with fashion boutiques. From Trash & Vaudeville's vintage treasures to Love Saves the Day's outrageous glamour, I was a true queen in a shopping wonderland.
But my journey wasn't just about the drag queens and the fashion, it was also about the community they created. The 7th of July, 1981, may not seem like a significant date to some, but for those in the heart of the drag world, it was another day in their shared story. A story of acceptance, of community, and most importantly, a story of love for the art of being oneself.
My darling readers, my adventures continue. This time travelling business keeps me constantly buzzing with excitement. But whether I'm whizzing through time in my magic tutu, or sashay-ing through life with a pink feathered fan, one thing remains the same: I believe everyone deserves a touch of pink tutu magic in their life. So get out there, unleash your inner glitter and let the world see your true, dazzling colours!
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com next month for more time-traveling tales. Until then, stay fabulous, darlings!
Love,
Emma xx
P.S. My next big show is at the Jolly Miller in Derby on August 3rd! Come and say hello!
