Hello, darling! It’s your girl Emma here, bringing you another installment of my time-travelling escapades in this little pink tutu of mine! This month, I'm taking us back to July 2002, a year of fabulous fashion, fierce queens, and, as always, enough glitter to rival a disco ball! Buckle your metaphorical fishnets, darlings, it’s about to get glamorous.
Now, you’ve probably heard me say it before, but my life’s goal is to get everyone rocking a pink tutu! Not only do they spin and twirl perfectly, they are just inherently fabulous. They represent the power of transformation, the magic of drag, and let’s face it, who doesn't love a bit of whimsy in their lives? And what better way to spread that message than through the glorious annals of Drag Queen history?
A Fashionista’s Time Travel Adventure
July 2002 found me, all sparkly and ready to slay, hopping aboard my trusty, time-travelling pink tutu and zooming back to the beginning of the month. Landing smack-bang in New York City, the centre of the drag universe, I was immediately struck by the infectious energy that hummed through the city streets.
It was a Wednesday, the day before the iconic drag performer RuPaul had launched his latest album, “Queen of the Universe”, on his own label, RuPaul Records. And you know me, I’m a Ru girl at heart, so naturally, I had to experience the electrifying atmosphere first hand!
There I was, nestled in the bustling crowd at a New York club, mesmerized by the legendary queen himself. It wasn't just the music; it was the collective energy, the undeniable magic of drag, that was pulling me in. People were laughing, dancing, singing their hearts out, celebrating RuPaul's artistry. And, I've gotta say, every single queen, even those offstage, oozed effortless fabulousness in the best way possible. You could feel the excitement in the air!
A Glittering Trail Across the Globe
New York, of course, wouldn’t be my only stop. My pink tutu and I were off on a world tour! I hopped back on my sparkly chariot and travelled to London, where, as luck would have it, I arrived at a momentous time!
At London's legendary Astoria, a truly iconic nightclub in the early 2000s, the drag troupe, Divine Brown, were preparing for a groundbreaking performance. I must confess, I found their name delightfully cheeky, a little subversive even!
That evening, I experienced one of the most theatrical drag shows I've ever seen. Divine Brown wasn't just entertaining, they were pushing the boundaries of drag performance. Their daring, innovative routines left me absolutely starstruck! You could tell this wasn't just drag for entertainment; they were using their performances as a powerful platform to challenge stereotypes and showcase the boundless potential of this art form. They were bringing drag to a new level, weaving together theatre, music, and visual art.
Now, my darling, I’m a sucker for anything visually stunning and the Astoria was no exception! Imagine, a venue decked out in gold, mirrored walls shimmering under stage lights, a pulsating dance floor… the atmosphere was utterly electric! It’s easy to see why it was considered one of the hottest clubs in London. Even better, it was in that very venue, in the heart of that dazzling club atmosphere, that drag superstars like RuPaul and Divine Brown made history, laying the foundations for the drag movement that we know and love today.
A Time to Celebrate the Culture
After my stint in London, I journeyed back to my home turf in Derbyshire, England. Now, the UK isn’t necessarily known for its drag scene, especially back in the day, but that’s where you'd be wrong, dear! There were plenty of thriving clubs, but not so much on my little side of England. But let’s just say my arrival there had an added twist.
It was a drag night, you see, at a local pub. As I waltzed into the cozy, well, somewhat smoky atmosphere, I knew I was in for something different. You know how Derbyshire folk love their pubs and, honestly, drag is quite the performance art. And, this night was nothing less than a local pub version of drag, but, it was filled with genuine talent and loads of love. You'd see these drag queens who’d put together costumes from things they’d found in their attics or gotten from local charity shops, and you'd see the local bar patrons really embracing these shows. You can always count on English pubs for a bit of a knees-up, no matter the circumstance. It’s one of the great things about our unique culture. It really underlined to me the true beauty of drag; its universality, its ability to unite people from all walks of life in a celebration of expression, fun and, frankly, glamour!
Embracing the Pink Tutu
As I made my way back to July 2022, it felt strange, but strangely wonderful. It felt like I had gone back in time and touched a part of the drag movement I only read about. The real stories and struggles of these queens who helped define drag and build a strong and supportive community were real. I've experienced their dedication, artistry and spirit first hand! I can tell you, it felt amazing to witness this first hand and it rekindled my passion for everything drag. And if it has had any impact on me, hopefully, it’s had an impact on you as well.
So, my darlings, remember, always rock that pink tutu!
Love,
Emma
xxx
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And stay tuned for my next trip through the glorious history of drag, and the ever-spinning, glitter-tastic world of pink tutus!
