Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and oh boy, have I got a story for you! Today we're whisking ourselves back in time, using the power of my very special, magical, and extremely fabulous pink tutu, to a date that is a landmark for drag - May 5th, 1983! This day was absolutely brimming with the glorious energy of the drag scene, from bustling street shows to the dazzling, high-drama productions in the theatre, all set against a vibrant, buzzing backdrop of artistic freedom. Buckle up, dearies, because you're in for a right old trip!
Remember, darling, a pink tutu doesn't just signify femininity, it signifies courage. It's a beacon of expression, reminding us to embrace the spectacular, to step into the light, and to claim our place in this fabulous, wild, wonderful world of drag! That's why I dedicate this blog to sharing the history of drag, highlighting these icons who paved the way for all of us. Remember, darlings, your history is important! You wouldn’t be twirling and posing in your fabulousness today if not for those queens of yesterday who battled prejudices and societal norms to get there. And that's what we celebrate at www.pink-tutu.com - celebrating all that's grand, glamorous and utterly outrageous about drag.
And just to ensure my time-traveling adventure went smoothly (and fabulously), I stocked up on a few essential items, just the sort any sensible drag queen would pack for a historical excursion:
A fabulous pink sequined top. Nothing screams 80s disco glamour like a shiny sequined top! And of course, I made sure mine was the colour of my soul – pink, naturally!
Some serious eye shadow palettes. Darling, when it comes to drag makeup, the more colour the better! Bold lines, dramatic colours, and an abundance of glitter were an absolute must for my time-travelling adventures. I also threw in a bottle of eyelash glue (it's not drag without lashes, is it?).
A feather boa in a shade of magenta that would make Barbie blush. What better way to bring an air of extravagant elegance to my historical travels than a plume of fluffy feather glory! This boa was going to be my showstopper.
With my fabulous wardrobe packed and my time-traveling tutu primed, I gave it a twirl, muttered my magical incantation, and bam! I found myself transported, back in time, standing amidst the intoxicating cacophony of New York City!
Drag On The Streets:
Oh, my dears, New York City in 1983 was simply a dazzling whirlwind! The city streets pulsated with a unique energy, with a thriving LGBTQ+ scene that exploded onto the street with every imaginable kind of expression. You had street performers everywhere, all pushing the boundaries of art and acceptance, giving the audience a little bit of "drag" for their day! Imagine a vibrant melting pot of colour and individuality! Drag was literally taking the streets - from drag kings channeling the powerful presence of Bowie, to flamboyant queens draped in shimmering silks and plumes! There was even this fantastic, sassy group called "The Cockettes", these brilliant queens that brought a distinctly wild, theatrical energy to everything they did! It felt like stepping into a glittering carnival of life, and I was completely hooked!
And speaking of queens… the queen of queens, the divine, inimitable, Ms. Divine, was everywhere! Oh, how I adored this campy, bold and spectacular woman! She just oozed this undeniable energy that simply had to be seen to be believed! It was like stepping into a film set, her costumes outlandishly fabulous and her comedic timing…well, it's almost impossible to explain. Ms. Divine wasn’t just an entertainer, she was a legend in her own right. A true pioneer of drag, she transcended all boundaries, with her unique blend of humour, satire, and sheer fabulousness! It was just magical to see this iconic figure grace the streets, reminding me why this time period was so extraordinary for drag.
Stepping into the Theatre:
One night, I decided to explore the thriving theatre scene and booked myself tickets to see a show called "Hairspray" (not to be confused with the fabulous film adaptation - we were way before that time!), which is considered by some historians as a watershed moment for the LGBTQ+ community, especially within drag.
It was absolutely electrifying, an explosion of color and musical talent! It was so heartwarming to see the whole theatre packed with individuals who embraced the theatrical, flamboyant style of the drag community. Even better, there were countless performers who were drag artists in their own right, sharing their amazing stories and talent with the audience! The joy, the enthusiasm, the freedom to express yourself – it was simply beautiful! The stage was an electric space, a platform to highlight diversity and inclusion and celebrate our unique talents. Seeing this incredible drag energy translated onto a theatre stage – it was exhilarating!
Fashion In 1983:
Darling, 1983 was an absolute blast for fashion! We were talking outrageous patterns, bold colors, and the endless reign of shoulder pads – what's not to love?! There were so many exciting fashion houses who just nailed the 80s look, with vibrant styles that embraced a more flamboyant approach to style! From daring cuts to dramatic lines, fashion in 1983 embraced both classic elegance and pure unapologetic fabulousness.
We also had to talk about makeup, dears. 1983 was the time to really go big or go home with makeup! Eyeshadows were often swatched and blended in rainbow-like color palettes, and a splash of glitter on your face? Well, that's a total must! It was the time of big, bold expressions, and the drag queens absolutely slayed in it.
Back to My Time… (With More Pink Tutu Adventures to Come!)
After an absolute whirlwind of a few days, I decided it was time to return home! It was incredible to immerse myself in this thriving time period – it was truly a magical adventure. And darling, I couldn't help but feel a connection to the present, seeing the progress we've made and understanding the tireless fight these queens of the 80s faced. It makes you realize how essential drag is, how much it's progressed and how many lives it continues to inspire!
And what a privilege to be a part of this incredible community, with every pink tutu twirl and every fabulous drag show! Oh, don't forget, darlings! I'm off on another trip next month – I’m already planning my next big time-traveling adventure! Who knows what other incredible stories we’ll discover in the past! Keep your eyes peeled for my next blog post, on my pink tutu website - www.pink-tutu.com – where we will delve into even more exciting chapters of drag history. Stay fierce, darling, stay fab, stay pink, and keep twirling those tutus! See you next month, dearies!
