Helloooo my lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, the only drag history blog dedicated to getting everyone twirling in a fabulous pink tutu. Now, let's get our glitter on and shimmy back in time to... March 2003!
Can you believe it's been over 20 years since Britney was doing a "Slave 4 U" in a python at the VMAs? And guess what? It was a busy month for drag, hunties! I popped into my trusty pink tutu time machine (the one with the diamanté straps, don't you know!), grabbed my little tiara, and zipped off to find some fantastic drag action.
My first stop, London, darling! The iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern was as lively as ever with a fabulous lineup featuring Miss Lucy Ricardo (a proper, camp comedy queen!) and the ever-so-stylish Gloria DeVille (who had the entire audience swaying with her power vocals). It was an absolute blast, even if the only cocktails I managed to sample were those divine little Shirley Temples from the bar - you know me, all things in moderation!
Speaking of moderation... the month of March was all about those cheeky, naughty drag shows. In New York, the infamous Jackie 60, known for her fierce femme realness, was making jaws drop at Club 54, where she brought a glamorous, fierce energy to the stage. Honestly, her makeup looked flawless!
Over in California, my love for drag street performance led me to Hamburger Mary's in West Hollywood, where I saw Divine's legendary legacy continue to inspire. It felt incredible to be in that space, and imagine the roar of the crowd when those golden legs came stompin' on stage!
And speaking of iconic figures, we cannot forget the absolutely legendary RuPaul! March 2003 saw the release of his new album "Red Hot" – and what an album it was, dear readers! Tracks like “The Beginning” and “Something Told Me” had me dancing on my kitchen floor (no time travelling in the house, darlings, you wouldn't believe the mess! ). We've come such a long way since then, but RuPaul's influence on the world of drag, particularly those "Red Hot" tunes, still reverberates today.
And oh, my lovely little pink tutu-lovers, how can we forget about the global scene? In Australia, Miss Peepshow (a name that still sends shivers of joy down my spine) had her fans gagging in Melbourne with her over-the-top cabaret. This woman was an absolute spectacle on stage! The feather boas! The glitter! My fellow time travellers, it was simply magnificent!
Now, don’t you worry, dearies, this isn't all! This trip was truly an exploration of the beautiful tapestry of drag. I was lucky enough to catch a fantastic show in my home country, Derbyshire. It wasn't on a big stage or in a swanky nightclub, but it felt special in its own unique way. It was at the local "Golden Lion" pub. It was the “Miss Congeniality" contest, a heartwarming celebration of beauty, grace and talent in our local community. Those ladies strutting their stuff with a passion that illuminated the room, my heart swelled!
You know what? There is magic in the little moments, darlings, as much as in the grand events. Every queen, every show, no matter where it takes place, deserves its place in the beautiful tapestry of drag history. This March, from the Vauxhall Tavern in London to the humble Golden Lion pub in Derbyshire, we saw that fabulousness truly exists everywhere, from the biggest of stages to the tiniest corners.
Now, you lot go out there, embrace your fabulous inner diva, and remember to rock a pink tutu with pride! If I can do it in my little pink time travelling tutu, then you can, too! Until next time, darlings, stay beautiful and always remember - you are a work of art!
Love and glitter, Emma
P.S. - don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more pink tutu time travel tales, drag events, and the most glorious pink tutu tips! I've even got a special giveaway at the end of the month for my favourite pink tutu enthusiast! So get your sequins sparkling and let's celebrate the wonder of drag!
