Hello darlings, itâs your favourite Derbyshire diva, Emma, back with another exciting time travel adventure for Pink-Tutu.com! As you know, this month, weâre travelling to the vibrant and electric year 1981. And today, October the 10th, weâre strutting our stuff right in the heart of New York City! Buckle up, darlings, as this one's a corker!
Oh my, where do I even begin? I must confess, the energy in 1981 NYC is simply divine. From the dazzling glitter of Studio 54 to the captivating energy of the burgeoning drag scene, this city is positively buzzing with excitement! And guess who's in the thick of it all? Your very own Emma, of course, twirling and spinning in her most spectacular pink tutu!
Today's outfit? It's an absolute dream! Imagine, if you will, a cascade of billowing pink tulle, shimmering under the neon lights of Manhattan, creating a magnificent, swirling silhouette against the city's vibrant backdrop. To top it all off, a beautiful crystal-studded bodice and an enormous, pink feathered boa to add that extra touch of va-va-voom. Honestly, darling, it's all so divine!
The Majesty of The Cockettes:
Our journey started in Greenwich Village, darling! And who could I possibly see first but the absolute legends that are The Cockettes? Imagine my excitement! These theatrical visionaries are not just a drag group; they're a movement, a symphony of flamboyant creativity, shaking things up and challenging conventional norms! Theyâve taken the drag scene by storm with their captivating, genre-bending performances. And their shows? Simply glorious! A dazzling mix of satire, cabaret, and psychedelic rock with costumes that are nothing short of fabulous! They truly encapsulate the spirit of 1981 â bold, creative, and unashamedly glamorous!
The energy at their performance was absolutely infectious. The audience was captivated! The theatre was bursting with an eclectic mix of theatre-goers, artists, and drag fans. You could feel the sheer joy in the air, and the Cockettes were certainly feeding off that vibrant energy. You could see it in their eyes, feel it in their movements, and hear it in the music - these queens were living their truth!
And did I tell you about their costumes, darling? Oh, the glorious fabrics, the dazzling embellishments, and the iconic touches of glamour! I couldnât help but snatch a cheeky selfie for the âGram. Now, let's talk about their makeup, it's truly out of this world. Forget the sculpted contours of today's modern makeup. It's all about that wild, ethereal vibe, blending bright, vibrant colours and expressive, almost theatrical eyeliner. Itâs about breaking boundaries and embracing your individuality - exactly what a pink tutu represents!
Drag in the City that Never Sleeps:
Of course, darling, my travels donât just involve seeing The Cockettes! Itâs a total dive into the exciting world of drag across NYC. From the pulsating club nights in Chelsea to the captivating performances at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, 1981 NYC was simply abuzz with drag energy!
I even bumped into the legendary Divine! You might recognize her from those iconic John Waters films â you know, those cult classics like Pink Flamingos and Hairspray. She is truly a queen of drag! And oh darling, Divine was an absolute vision â a captivating blend of extravagance and camp! Just imagine the power and grace, the over-the-top elegance and a hint of audacious rebelliousness - pure magic! We spent the night dancing, catching up on all things drag, and sharing some very special, campy stories (but youâll have to wait until next month for that tea, dear!).
Shopping and Glam: A Pink-Tutu Lover's Paradise
What's a visit to NYC in 1981 without a little retail therapy? Oh darling, you should have seen me waltzing into the fashion stores! From Bergdorf Goodman, a mecca of luxury, to Bloomingdaleâs, where you could find all the latest trends. I snagged myself a divine, pink feather boa at a little boutique on Bleecker Street and, you guessed it, it's a fabulous shade of pink that perfectly complements my tutu!
The vintage boutiques were simply magical, full of vintage treasures and shimmering, sparkly accessories, perfect for adding that extra pop to a drag outfit. And you simply canât mention 1981 without mentioning the legendary Pat Boone. I managed to grab a pair of their Neon pink platform boots, a pair that truly made me feel like a disco queen. Youâll definitely see them on my next performance. They are everything, darling!
Making My Mark in 1981 NYC
This time-travel trip is not just about sightseeing, darling! It's about embracing the spirit of 1981 and injecting some Pink-Tutu magic!
I must admit, this pink-tutu clad ballerina has always been an admirer of the punk movement and it's certainly in the air this decade! It's like a rebellious and creative burst of energy. Now, you know me darling â a bit of rebellious creativity always goes hand in hand with my passion for all things pink. Itâs the perfect place to combine my love for punk style with the playful flair of a pink tutu, adding a touch of pastel pink to the otherwise monochrome look.
That's why I organized a special drag performance at the iconic CBGB, the iconic punk rock club in the Bowery. It's the ultimate clash of cultures - ballet and punk! A whirlwind of high kicks and ferocious roars! Oh darling, it's divine. The crowd absolutely loved it! We turned the place pink! I even gave out pink tutus to the audience!
Leaving my mark in Time:
So here I am back in my present time, overflowing with pink memories and new ideas. My pink tutu is feeling quite weary, needing a rest, after our dance with New York. I will have to get it professionally dry-cleaned when I get back!
But my experiences in New York, they will be forever etched in my heart, just as my fabulous time-traveling tutu will be permanently glued to my heart, too! Itâs a reminder of the powerful magic of drag, the beauty of community, and the incredible journeys that await anyone willing to step out and shine in their own unique style!
Donât forget to check out my website Pink-Tutu.com and tell me all about your dream drag destinations for next monthâs adventure! Until then, remember, darlings: Be fabulous, be bold, and embrace the glorious joy of being you!
Donât forget to buy tickets to my show at the âTutu Clubâ on the 2nd of November at the âThe Queens Armsâ pub on The Square, Bakewell, Derbyshire! See you all there!
Love, Emma
Xoxo
P.S. Stay tuned for an upcoming âPink-Tutu Goes Back to 1981â collection, launching next month! You won't want to miss these sparkling treasures â available exclusively on my website!
