Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to take you on another whirl through the wonderful world of drag history! This month, we're pirouetting back to May 5th, 1985, and oh honey, it's going to be fabulous!
So, grab your popcorn, a cheeky cocktail, and settle in. We're going to be dipping our toes into a shimmering pool of disco-tastic brilliance!
Now, let's talk about what's making news in the world of drag today. I mean, it wouldn't be a trip without a bit of gossip, would it?
Hold onto your tiaras, darlings! There are rumours swirling about the first official drag performance by none other than Divine! A legend! The iconic drag queen, famous for her camp performances and iconic collaborations with John Waters, is taking to the stage with her new stage show. Rumours are spreading about the stunning costumes and wild shenanigans! Oh, honey, I'm simply quivering with excitement!
This year is set to be a glorious year for drag, especially in New York City, which is absolutely bursting at the seams with exciting happenings! The Ballroom scene is absolutely thriving! This unique, flamboyant community of dancers and entertainers are captivating audiences with their powerful expressions and exquisite performance styles. Just think, these are the very same houses and drag balls that will inspire the ground-breaking, heart-stopping documentary, Paris Is Burning! The sheer spectacle and courage of the LGBTQIA+ community in those spaces, well, honey, I can hardly speak about it without my emotions getting the better of me.
But don't think this is all happening just on the east coast, love! In California, things are buzzing with excitement too. The West Hollywood nightclub scene is packed to the rafters every night with the most dazzling drag queens gracing the stages. Imagine – we're talking lip-synching queens with attitude, sharp and sassy queens with fabulous costumes. Imagine if we could see it all with our own eyes. But hey, one thing's for sure - you can definitely see the foundations of modern-day drag culture building right before our very eyes!
Speaking of foundations, let's talk about my favourite subject: Fashion! Oh, the styles in 1985 are just divine. We're seeing a heady mix of bold colours, striking patterns, and the occasional splash of glitter. Let’s be honest, a little glitter never hurt anyone! Imagine a head-to-toe sparkle, feathers and sequins, flowing and magnificent outfits. You see, it’s the beginning of the evolution of the art form of drag - that amazing and unique way of putting a powerful statement about gender and expression on the world.
Oh darling, it is all about embracing your inner fabulousness and letting it shine!
Let me tell you, I was thrilled when I arrived at a charming little cabaret venue in Manchester. It's truly a little gem! They were hosting their own fabulous, pink-themed drag show with the most gorgeous outfits!
"The Pink Tutu Party" was just divine! Think hot pink, frilly tutus, fluffy pink feather boas and glittering headbands. They truly made me want to bust out a few pirouettes. It was clear they were all very excited by the theme and their enthusiastic embrace of it was enough to warm the heart of even the most seasoned drag connoisseur! Their performances were full of life, excitement and of course, plenty of pink tutus. They're just so wonderfully glamorous.
Back in the land of my Derbyshire roots, things are definitely quieter on the drag scene but my little corner of the world isn't quite the drag desert I imagine people might think! My favourite little cabaret bar, “The Blue Angel,” hosted their very first Drag Queen Karaoke night. Let’s be honest – we’ve all wanted to channel our inner Madonna or Cher, haven't we? And I am sure that karaoke bar was no different! Just think of the power ballads! You can imagine how much fun that must have been! I had the best time - but I’m keeping it a secret between us.
This month's travels have given me a real sense of excitement and pride as a part of the global drag family. You know it takes such a strong, confident individual to embrace the power of drag – even at a time when things aren't easy for those who don't fit in. And what's truly lovely is that I can clearly see how the spirit of drag – that incredible spirit of creativity, defiance and fun – is still as strong as ever!
And honey, as I always say, the future is looking rosy! We've just stepped out of the most magical time travelling pink tutu into a beautiful new month, and you know what that means? More pink tutus to be found across the globe, and more of these dazzling travel tales for us to enjoy!
So, my dears, I urge you to spread the message of pink tutus everywhere you go! It’s a movement of joy, positivity and, well, pink!
See you next month! And please – never forget… A little bit of pink tutu never hurt anybody!
Emma xo.
Visit Emma's website: www.pink-tutu.com.
