Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another dazzling dispatch from the fabulous archives of drag history! This month, I'm taking you on a trip back to 1984, a year that truly shook things up in the drag world, and to February 2nd for a real dose of glamorous nostalgia!
Let's just say this journey began, as always, with a twirl. I woke up in my Derbyshire flat, surrounded by glittering costume fabric, feathers, and the soft, pink glow of my makeup station. A quick shimmy in front of the mirror, a flick of my feather boa, and a final "Yasss queen!" before leaping into my magic, time-travelling pink tutu, ready for another adventure. (Seriously, you have NO idea how much I rely on this tutu!)
My pink tulle parachute gracefully carried me back to February 2nd, 1984. Oh, darlings, the air buzzed with excitement! You know that thrilling, electric energy that fills the air just before a drag show starts? This was that, but times a thousand! Imagine the sheer joy of Disco fever still lingering, mixed with the rising star power of the early New Wave movement! It was a truly exhilarating combination. I couldn't wait to soak it all up!
My first stop? The iconic "The Cockettes", a legendary San Francisco drag troupe that redefined what it meant to be a queen back in the early 70s! They were known for their wild, uninhibited style, blending avant-garde art, cabaret, and drag into a fabulous cocktail of liberation and self-expression. I found myself mesmerized by their performances at the "Cockettes' Reunion", hosted in San Francisco by The Performance Group at The Mission Play House. Their show, “How the Cockettes Saved San Francisco” was an explosion of theatrical chaos, exquisite costumes, and audacious political commentary. Think "Rocky Horror" meets "Hair" with a side of disco glitz, and you'll have an idea of their electrifying vibe!
Now, the Cockettes were a true beacon of drag excellence, but they were by no means the only ones shining their spotlight on the world! On the same date, over in the East Village in New York, another fabulous force of drag, the "Backstreet Drag Queens" were ready to deliver their own brand of outrageous artistry at the legendary "Club 57." Think cabaret, punk rock, and performance art all tangled together with that unique New York attitude. The atmosphere was electrifying – imagine an exciting mix of Patti Smith and David Bowie at a glitzy costume party and you'll start to get a taste of it!
From the West Coast to the East Coast, drag in 1984 was truly taking the stage by storm! While some queens were taking the boldest steps forward in self-expression, others were pushing boundaries in the traditional stage setting of theatre, with legendary performances across the globe. This particular day, London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane hosted a truly unique spectacle. "The Hounds of Love", starring the stunning, larger-than-life drag star Divine, was captivating audiences with its hilarious take on werewolf mythology! This production was like a big bowl of fabulous, sprinkled with just the right amount of campy, outrageous humour!
As the evening drew to a close, and with a final "Thank you for coming, darlings!" I said farewell to this fascinating night in drag history. But even after my return to present day Derbyshire, I found myself still basking in the glow of those exhilarating memories. From San Francisco to New York, and the incredible world of British theatre, the bold spirits and artistry of 1984 drag continue to inspire!
And that's the magic of drag, my loves! It has this incredible ability to travel through time, connecting us to the generations that came before us and shaping the future of expression.
Remember, darlings, never be afraid to unleash your inner fabulousness! It's time to grab your own pink tutus, get out there and twirl your way into the world! Don't forget to subscribe to my blog at www.pink-tutu.com, and until next time, stay sassy and sparkle bright!
