Hello darlings, and welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of glamorous history! I’m your hostess, Emma, bringing you all the glittering gossip from the world of drag, past, present and future. This month, my magical pink tutu whisked me back to 12th December, 1982. Let me tell you, it was an absolutely camp-tastic trip, full of shimmering surprises and some truly iconic moments.
The Year That Was 1982:
1982 was a time of change, dear readers. MTV had just launched, bringing the world music videos with their flamboyant outfits and pulsating energy, while a little band called The Police were making waves with their synth-pop hit "Every Breath You Take." It was a time when big hair and shoulder pads ruled, and you better believe, darlings, my time-traveling tutu needed a good fluffing to fit right in!
Drag Queen Dreams:
Let’s dive straight into the drag, shall we? Imagine my excitement as I stepped into 1982 and found myself surrounded by the energy of drag! It was truly a whirlwind of fabulousness. I landed right in the heart of New York City, just in time for a big show at the renowned Pyramid Club. It was truly the epicenter of the New York drag scene at that time, a melting pot of underground queer expression and incredible creativity. This was the era of the New York Dolls, Divine, and the rise of the Drag Mothers - legends who paved the way for the incredible drag talent we have today.
Divine: The Drag Queen Icon
Speaking of icons, darlings, Divine was a force of nature! This extraordinary woman was a pioneer in her time. Think a blend of outrageous fashion, larger-than-life personality and theatrical performances that were equal parts comedic and avant-garde. It's no wonder she caught the attention of cult filmmaker John Waters, who put her at the forefront of several films including "Pink Flamingos," which was quite scandalous at the time, and brought a fresh, provocative, and truly outlandish vision to the big screen. It was amazing to experience her unique style, from those bright pink wigs to the flamboyant clothing that always seemed to have a touch of chaos. Divine, she was an original, truly a Drag Queen who dared to break boundaries and define a whole new era of drag!
Back to the Ballroom:
Okay, back to the dance floor. Imagine a time when disco ruled supreme! Oh, darling, those disco queens of 1982 had the moves to make a feather boa blush! It was a time for platform heels, shimmery costumes and bold, vibrant makeup, showcasing a love for dramatic glamour and, dare I say, just a little bit of high-drama, all spun into a world of pure joy.
Shopping Spree!:
Oh my god, let's talk about the fashion, darlings. You could tell, just by looking at the window displays, that this era was obsessed with sparkle and shine! The 80s were all about that dramatic glam. Neon colors, animal print, big jewelry, leggings with those little tiny shorts worn over the top, I'm talking statement pieces everywhere! And can you imagine the joy of browsing through a store like Bloomingdale’s or Bergdorf Goodman in New York? It must have been heaven! It felt like the entire world had just stepped onto a stage, showcasing their most flamboyant self. I even picked up a few vintage pieces from a local store - some bright purple leggings with matching neon green shoulder pads, and let me tell you, my lovelies, my new pink feather boa was a total hit with the crowd!
Time Travel Tips:
Oh, darling, let me share a little secret from a time-traveling girl. To truly enjoy a historical voyage through time, it's all about those little details! The key is to immerse yourself, be present, and appreciate the small things: the way the music hits you, the rhythm of a conversation, the feel of vintage fabrics. My best time-traveling tips? Keep an open mind, a playful heart and be prepared to experience life through a different lens.
The World of Drag Then & Now
You know, darling, the magic of drag lies in its evolution, its ability to transform with the times, while still holding onto those timeless elements that connect us across generations: the artistry, the theatricality, the sense of community, and, of course, that unyielding commitment to showcasing the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. Whether you're captivated by a 1980s disco queen strutting her stuff or a contemporary queen smashing stereotypes and leaving audiences breathless, the power of drag remains constant: to ignite, to inspire, and to remind us that life, darlings, is truly meant to be lived on stage.
Pink Tutu Travel Time:
It’s time to whisk back to the present, darlings! My next stop on my time-traveling journey will take me back to… well, that's a secret until next month! Until then, don’t forget to live life in your most fabulous pink tutu! I can't wait to hear about your fabulous finds, your drag show adventures, and any time-traveling escapades of your own! Leave a comment below and tell me: What's your favorite time period in drag history? Let's keep the conversation flowing and continue to celebrate the transformative magic of drag. Until next time, keep it glamorous and keep it pink, my loves!
Yours in tulle, Emma
Pink Tutu Time Travels: www.pink-tutu.com
