Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller extraordinaire, ready to whisk you back to the glorious year 2004. Let me tell you, 2004 was a time when drag queens were already fabulous but⊠well, let's just say I felt like a pink tutu wearing fish out of water. But more on that later. First, let's talk about me!
You see, dear readers, this month I've been spinning a little too fast in my magic tutu, and poof! Here we are! April 2004. It feels like a whole lifetime ago - did anyone else feel that extra dramatic during their formative teenage years?
Oh, darling, 2004! You were full of campy charm, disco balls, and fabulous fringe! Remember the âCanât Get You Out of My Headâ music video? I mean, a futuristic disco with a drag queen as a dancing, glittery robot?! Whatâs not to love! This was also the year that, as Iâm sure youâre aware, âRuPaulâs Drag Raceâ was about to unleash the worldâs fascination with drag queen culture in a new, more accessible way - I mean, can you imagine the impact the iconic season 1 Queen, Akashia, made on us all? Just incredible.
My trusty pink tutu spun me straight to NYC to catch one of her legendary shows - oh, to be surrounded by the Ă©nergie of her performances. The girls were wearing more lace and feather boas than they knew what to do with - and you know, honestly, who cares? It was an absolute delight to see such a joyful expression of individuality, in a world that still seemed to be trying to define what beauty truly was.
So what was happening in the UK back in 2004? Well, remember âCelebrity Big Brotherâ? Let's be real, everyone remembers the show! In that era, there were already several fabulous queens doing amazing work across the UK but the big mainstream drag moments were coming - just like I always knew they would, darling!
Speaking of queens⊠do any of you darlings remember the fabulous, wonderful Miss Fame? Okay, thatâs not totally true. She wasnât making headlines yet back in 2004, but sheâs such an incredible influence. Her story starts at a very young age. Imagine how amazing she would be to watch on âDrag Raceâ? Now I'm picturing a fabulous pink tutu routine on a future season of "RuPaulâs Drag Race" and I'm giddy, dearies, absolutely giddy.
2004 was the year I truly fell in love with the magic of drag. I'd seen a handful of drag shows back home in Derbyshire, but watching drag in a city like London was like a magical dream. The costumes! The makeup! The energy! Oh darling, you would have thought it was the ball of the century - except there was so much more than one!
From watching iconic performers to catching small drag nights in local clubs - it was an explosion of self-expression that truly lit up my world. It was, like, pink tulle and rhinestones to the max, all over London and beyond. And honestly? The energy was intoxicating! And oh my goodness! There were a whole host of iconic nightclubs! âThe Venue,â in the heart of Soho, always a blast of glitter, energy and fabulousness. The atmosphere was simply exhilarating! Itâs a place that always seems to be brimming with life.
Oh my God, did you ever visit The Venue, darlings? If youâve not, do! It's sooo fun. My pink tutu had such a wonderful time! Itâs always been one of the hubs of drag queen fun in London - just a gorgeous combination of energy, fabulousness, and⊠well, pure fun! The crowd was electric! Remember, this is a world before âRuPaulâs Drag Raceâ. A drag performance in 2004 was a truly unique, underground experience, which made it all the more special and thrilling. Every drag show felt like a clandestine meeting, full of secrets and a whole lotta magic!
One night I met this gorgeous queen with an unforgettable laugh. Let me tell you - it was everything - so full of life, like an unexpected gift! She was on stage at âThe Venue,â dancing the night away in the most beautiful vintage gown, shimmering in silver and sequins under the disco ball - and oh darling, *it was incredible! *
There was this palpable, pulsating sense of camaraderie amongst everyone who came to watch the show. You know, that feeling of being part of something bigger - like being swept up in a beautiful wave of glamour and acceptance. And honestly, sometimes all it takes is that one experience to remind you how magical life can be, even for a girl with a pink tutu obsession!
But dear readers, all good things come to an end. It was time to twirl my way back to the 21st century - after all, my latest drag act needed rehearsing, and honestly, that new dress in pink taffeta was just screaming to be worn on stage! I've already got a million more stories to tell, and the next time you know it, youâll find me whisked away, once again, into the enchanting history of drag.
Stay fabulous, darling. And remember, donât be afraid to embrace your pink tutu moments! Until next month, twirl on!
Yours in glitter,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
