Alright, darlings! Emma here, your resident time-travelling drag queen from Derbyshire, ready to take you on a dazzling trip to the past - this time, back to the gloriously fabulous 4th of April 1993.
It's always a delight to step back into this period, because, frankly, it was a magical time for drag. The late 80s and early 90s saw a real blossoming of drag's diversity and creativity, and it's something we should never forget, so lets grab a glass of something sparkling and sashay our way back!
Now, if you think a pink tutu wouldn't be seen in this era, you'd be terribly mistaken! This was a time for all the glitz, glamour, and outrageousness! My magical time-traveling tutu (I think she’s going to need a name... hmm) zipped me straight into New York City, a land where drag shows ruled supreme and audiences would scream, shout and worship every performer they saw.
The city that never sleeps was also never short of amazing drag performances back then. At this time, The Pyramid Club, which was on the cutting edge of downtown alternative culture, hosted everything from live music and performance art to drag shows that were out of this world. Places like Mother and The Ritz were known for having amazing drag shows that attracted the biggest names in the scene - just picture me sashaying in, grabbing the best seat in the house and ready to be blown away by the legends of the time.
On this particular date, let’s rewind to The Pyramid Club - a club that was already iconic. It was where RuPaul first performed and later held her very first RuPaul's Drag Race! (Imagine that - getting a glimpse of the early days of this incredible drag icon! It was so very important to my drag timeline and a must-see for any time-travelling queen).
While the future Mrs RuPaul is taking center stage tonight, the Drag Scene isn’t all about New York, my lovelies. This year’s DragBall in New York is actually in the process of getting organised - and yes, there are some massive drag looks already in progress and an abundance of creative ideas bouncing around in their fabulous heads! The energy of that DragBall has a unique buzz. This year's event is a real mix of fierce and glamorous and is just an example of the diversity in the world of drag back then.
Now, I'm no stranger to travelling the world with my tutu, so it’s on to San Francisco – and of course, it wouldn’t be a visit without a stop at The Cockettes. I have to be honest – I get lost in the magic and theatricality of the whole scene - with this theatre collective showcasing so many great performers, dancers and actresses (with many drag performers thrown into the mix, of course!). It’s hard to believe the iconic drag and theatrical styles born at The Cockettes back in the day – I really do believe their aesthetic was an influence for everything, everywhere. It’s all sparkly fun!
But remember, my dears, drag isn’t just confined to the major cities – no, no, no. The UK, my little slice of drag paradise, had its own drag stars, clubs, and venues bursting with talent, just itching to show the world their stuff. If you know me, you know how I love the whole drag history in my own home county of Derbyshire and I just had to have a little trip around Derby, Sheffield and Manchester! It wasn’t all glamorous ballrooms and smoky nightclubs, though - there were community theatre groups, local drag shows, and even little cabaret pubs with a stage where drag artists had a space to express themselves.
Remember, darlings, the drag world back then, wasn’t all glamorous performances and fashion-filled lives (even though it did feel amazing to time-travel there, of course!) It was about fighting for acceptance, defying expectations, and expressing yourself authentically.
It was, and still is, an amazingly powerful movement, built on courage, self-expression and a fierce love of glamour and fashion.
So there you have it – a fabulous snapshot of drag during that very special time – April 4th, 1993.
I can't wait to share my next adventures with you! Until then, darling, keep shining bright and, of course, stay fabulous!
Much love and glitter, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
