Hiya lovelies! It’s Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-clad time traveller, and I’m just bursting with excitement to share my latest adventures with you! As always, I’m using the magic of my tutu (it’s true, you know, I'm a real drag queen with a real magical pink tutu) to whisk us back in time – this time, to May 1999! Oh darling, buckle up for a whirlwind trip across the Atlantic, to a place where the energy was electric and the sequins were shimmering, right there in the heart of New York City.
You see, my little darlings, this wasn't just any ordinary May – this was the month of the legendary Drag Ball!
A Little Slice of Drag Ball History
You’ve heard of the “Ball” in all the movies and music videos, right? Those outrageous gatherings, full of flamboyant glamour and sassy attitude. Well, it all started way back in the '70s and '80s with the “House Balls,” held in Harlem and other communities where LGBTQ+ folks could gather and celebrate their identity. The legendary ballrooms were not just about dazzling fashion, they were a cultural centre – a space for artistic expression, support and community. They helped give birth to many icons, and those traditions are still being carried forward today.
But hold your feather boas, darlings! We’re not just taking a peek at history, we’re actually stepping back in time, to May 1999, a month that’s extra special in ball history. It’s when the famous “The Ball” in the iconic New York City venue, the Roseland Ballroom, was filmed by filmmaker Jennie Livingston for her stunning documentary “Paris is Burning.” The documentary captures all the sass, the fierce competition, and the unforgettable moments of the drag ball world – it was the perfect snapshot of that time period.
Fashion Fanatic Frenzy: Dressing the Part
As a lover of all things pretty, I was absolutely captivated by the ball’s fashion! This was the heyday of “genderfuck” dressing, and boy, did those drag queens embrace it! They were pushing boundaries, expressing themselves, and taking ownership of femininity. My favourite category in this period was always the "Realness." Can you believe that these queens had to be styled like regular folks and act totally convincing – can you imagine? Pure artistry, darling. It makes me dream about all the possibilities, because that’s what real fashion is about, it's all about letting yourself shine! And those dresses, the wigs, the shoes, the accessories… just utterly divine, darling! I’d kill for some of the vintage finds from this time – I mean, have you seen the way they use those feather boas in the documentary?! They are absolute show stoppers.
The Spirit of Community
While those gorgeous fashions and fierce walk offs certainly grabbed my attention, something deeper truly touched my heart - it was the overwhelming spirit of community. Watching these drag queens and trans women together – their shared joy, laughter, and acceptance – was absolutely electrifying! That is the beauty of these ball scenes: a sense of family, finding your tribe, and letting yourself be completely yourself – those things resonated deeply with my heart.
Bringing the World of Drag Back to Derbyshire
It's funny, my little darlings, but I remember being so very chuffed to return from my trip. All those vibrant, dazzling memories brought a fresh sense of purpose and excitement for my own drag. After that trip to 1999, I got inspired!
I started researching local venues back in my hometown, Derbyshire – yes, that’s right! Drag is everywhere – you just gotta find it! My favourite place for local drag in Derbyshire back then was "The Bluebell." We'd have so much fun with shows featuring performers like “Coco,” a fabulous drag queen with a real talent for lip syncing and making people laugh, and the hilarious “Mandy Mayhem.” Back then, she had a brilliant style of cheeky drag comedy and used the most fabulous costumes from the 80s and 90s, really pulling inspiration from some of those amazing looks I saw at The Ball. I used to love how they used their performance to connect with people in the community. These performers showed the power of a show with big hearts and tons of attitude, and my heart was buzzing!
I'm hoping to bring my little corner of pink-tutu-tastic time-travelling inspiration back to my home county, spreading joy, glitz and glitter through a bit of good-old fashioned drag. Now if only those Derbyshire locals would give my message a chance!
It’s All About the Tutu – My Pink Manifesto!
Look darlings, every month, I jump in my pink tutu and take off on another exciting time-travelling adventure! My mission is to inspire every one of you to rock your own version of a pink tutu – that’s right! Wear pink, love pink, be your brightest and most fabulous self – after all, the world is your stage. I hope that I inspire you to follow your dreams, find your inner queen, and shine as bright as a thousand pink tutus. And don't forget to check out my blog at www.pink-tutu.com every month – we'll travel together to a different decade, discovering drag in all its dazzling glory. I promise it will be a truly unforgettable ride.
Until next time, darlings,
XOXO,
Emma
