Hey darlings! Welcome back to another installment of "Pink Tutu Time Travels," your one-stop shop for all things drag, history, and a sprinkle of time-traveling magic. This month, we're setting our sights on December 12th, 1993. Get ready for some serious glitter, some groundbreaking performances, and some fabulous fashions that will make you wanna get your pink tutu on, lovelies!
This month's journey to the past took me to the iconic Studio 54, in New York City. (A true haven for drag queens for over 2 decades!) I just had to travel to that year, darling, as the year 1993 was simply monumental for drag and dance. We saw the arrival of RuPaul, who became one of the biggest drag superstars in the world! Can you believe it?!
As I sashayed through the iconic nightclub (which I found had thankfully reopened after its years of closure!), I could practically hear the disco balls screaming, "Emma! Get your fabulous self to the dancefloor, sugarplum!" The energy was electric! Imagine the biggest drag ball of the century in the middle of this bustling nightclub, overflowing with performers dressed to the nines - and all eyes on them.
Oh, darling, the dancefloor! I just wanted to scream “Yaaas queen!" from the rooftop! This place had such a history of showcasing incredible talent - a kaleidoscope of gender expression, all bursting with creativity and life. And I just happened to be there on one of the nights that the legend that is Divine herself took to the stage. My darling, her costumes - and I know we've been over this in my blogs before! She knew exactly how to make the most of a fabric - I have no doubt it was something very special from the "Divinity of Couture" herself!
There was, as you know, such a wide array of different kinds of performances happening at this time - from legendary balls such as the "New York Balls", the "Vogue Balls", and "The House of Xtravaganza", which all became iconic in the world of drag.
As a matter of fact, on December 12th, 1993, the drag scene at the House of Xtravaganza was buzzing with anticipation. It was an absolutely incredible sight to behold! I had arrived at a night where many of the pioneers of "vogue" ballroom dancing were preparing for the annual drag ball competition - there were costumes in every imaginable color imaginable! And the hairstyles...oh darling, the hairstyles. These fabulous queens - with the "balls to be themselves", to quote Lady Gaga, had truly upped the game for dance.
Now, let me paint a picture for you. I'm dancing in the crowd, twirling my pink tutu like the most magical pink ribbon of all. And I swear, all those present just stopped and stared, mesmerized. The energy was just chefs kiss pure magic. This kind of unbelievable talent deserved a queen like me! The performers gave 1000% at every moment - it was just dazzling and awe-inspiring. The music was loud and infectious! And it seemed that every member of the audience was a queen waiting to be discovered. And, I can tell you now, it certainly made this little drag queen feel a little bit "Xtravagant!"
Even now, just thinking about it gets me flailing for my feather boa in anticipation of my next journey into the world of drag! And let's be real - 1993 is still a year worth celebrating! Not only do we have drag legends like Divine gracing the stage but we're in the middle of what is known as a "golden era" in ballroom history.
Don't forget my little lovelies! The House of Xtravaganza was where the iconic "Paris Is Burning" documentary - with the amazing documentary, "Paris Is Burning", which captured so beautifully this fabulous drag world - had been filmed! Even as a little girl growing up in Derbyshire, this incredible documentary moved my little ballet heart!
So my loves, it's so important that we take the time to remember, cherish, and celebrate those that came before us! We wouldn't be living in the era of fabulous drag we are today without these drag icons of the past who led the way - from Divine's outrageous beauty and camp to the House of Xtravaganza, bringing a level of drag culture, to the world, all with such talent, strength and artistry.
I can't help but be excited and honored to witness these times from the safety and joy of my time-traveling pink tutu. These were times when some truly remarkable pioneers, and trailblazers were just beginning to make their mark on the world. It fills me with glee and excitement for the future.
It’s time to wrap it up, loves! As the world outside my pink tutu continues to evolve and progress, I hope that this pink tutu will continue to weave through time, taking you all along on an incredible journey! Don't forget my darlings! Our love for pink tutus will shine bright - always!
Until next time my loves - stay safe and glamorous! 💅💖
