Helloooo darlings! Your favourite time-traveling tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, is back, and let me tell you, this month's journey has been fabulous! Buckle up, honey, because we're going back to 2009, a year bursting with dragtastic energy.
I arrived in a whirlwind of glitter and sequins, right into the heart of New York City, just in time for… drumroll … the first ever Drag Race Season 1 finale! Can you imagine? I almost fainted dead away at the sight of all those fierce queens and that gorgeous red carpet.
Now, darling, don't let me spoil the surprise. If you've never watched the original Drag Race, I strongly advise you go grab some popcorn, get your fierce face on, and dive right in. Believe me, it's like a fabulous drag history lesson and so much fun! But even if you are a seasoned Drag Race watcher, the finale back then felt electric, you could feel a new era of drag blossoming in the air. It was everything!
The girls on that season were something special - the confidence, the talent, the drama. From BeBe Zahara Benet, with her stunning fashion and powerful performances, to Raja, the master of avant-garde artistry. It was like witnessing a whole new generation of queens taking their rightful place on the drag scene.
Speaking of queens, I caught a phenomenal show by the legendary Bianca Del Rio in her signature black and white style. The crowd went absolutely wild, and even I, a seasoned drag queen veteran, was in awe of her stage presence and comedic genius. She definitely knew how to work that stage!
Now, remember how I was mentioning that "pink tutu" thing? Well, it turns out that pink tutus are truly having a moment in 2009! In London, they were everywhere! At shows, at clubs, at parties - every single drag queen was rocking some kind of pink tutu! And of course, this made me so happy! My fellow pink tutu enthusiasts, we’ve got something special!
I can't forget about the drag scene in my own dear Derbyshire. The legendary Queen of the Midlands, Pandora DeVille, had the whole county in a tizzy. Pandora's legendary shows in Derby were known for their humour and theatricality. She's an absolute legend in drag, a true queen who embodies the spirit of creativity, humor, and glamour! I'm eternally grateful that my local scene had such a shining star, and for all those iconic memories I have watching Pandora sashay!
Of course, my trip wouldn’t be complete without some fabulous shopping. London’s Soho district, my dear, what a haven for sequins and feather boas! I snagged myself a fabulous vintage sequin dress, a feather boa so long it would have made Lady Gaga envious, and enough lipstick to last a lifetime! I even managed to get a few new tutus – you can never have too many!
2009 was, and still is, an incredible year for drag. The rise of RuPaul's Drag Race put a spotlight on drag, and helped make it accessible for everyone. We have this magical little show to thank for so much, and all the amazing queens, like Bianca Del Rio and Pandora DeVille, who have inspired countless drag artists around the world, even inspiring this pink-tutu wearing blogger!
So, my dear readers, keep an eye on your local scene! Grab your friends, buy your fabulous pink tutus, and get ready for the fabulous future of drag! It's only getting brighter!
Don't forget to follow me on Pink-tutu.com and follow my fabulous journeys!
Love,
Emma x
