Oh, darlings! February is upon us, the air crisp, the sky a touch less grey, and you know what that means, right? It's time for another dazzling escapade in the pinkest, most fabulous time-traveling tutu in the universe! So strap in, girlies, because we're whisking you off to February 2012!
For this month's jaunt, I've dreamt up a truly glorious vision: sequins, feathers, and enough glam to make a disco ball jealous! And darling, I haven't even begun to tell you about the amazing drag queens I've had the honour of meeting!
It all started, as it always does, with my pink tutu. But this month, my dear, this tutu was extra! It was shimmering pink, embroidered with constellations and spangled with silver stars - perfect for channeling my inner galaxy queen! And let me tell you, I needed all the cosmic energy I could get. Because the first stop on our February 2012 adventure was...The Philippines!
Imagine, darlings: the smell of warm sampaguita, the sounds of laughter spilling out of lively street markets, and the energy of a country on the cusp of something truly amazing! That's what I felt, that's what we experienced, as we ventured into Manila's drag scene. It was exhilarating!
The heart of Manila's drag scene is, well, let's just say, absolutely brimming with passion and charisma! I caught the hottest Drag Competition on the Philippines called "The Runway Diva: Queen of Hearts." Now, darlings, these queens weren't messing around. We saw lip-synching so good it practically made my wigs fly off, couture gowns fit for a duchess, and dance routines that made my little heart flutter!
We went shopping! Of course, dear! And did I mention shopping? In Divisoria, darling, you can find everything from a fabulous pair of platform stilettos to a handcrafted wig so fabulous it should have its own zip code! This trip alone, darling, could inspire a dozen future costumes for my performances!
While in Manila, darling, we encountered the "Lakan at Lakambini" festival in Biñan, Laguna. This glorious cultural festival has its own dazzling drag competition with contestants from across the region competing for the coveted title. These fabulous creatures donned stunning Filipiniana costumes adorned with intricate designs and breathtaking embroidery! You see, even a festival dedicated to beauty can hold the perfect drag show!
From the warmth of the Philippines, we flew, my darlings, across the vast ocean to the bright lights of London! I've always had a soft spot for this city, for its grit and glamour, for the sheer spectacle of its nightlife! And darling, this month, London did not disappoint!
"Bingo Loco" at the iconic O2 Arena was a pure joy, dear! Imagine bingo, but with drag queens! It's like they took bingo, added sequins, glitter, and enough laughter to fuel the whole of the United Kingdom! The hosts were truly hilarious and the energy of the crowd was just infectious! It truly did remind me of the beauty and diversity of the London club scene!
We stopped in the West End to take in the iconic "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" musical. Even though this show was only a couple of years old by 2012, darling, the show already held the power to evoke the kind of drag nostalgia that makes you feel like you've stepped into a time machine. The costumes were phenomenal, the music was infectious, and the whole performance was just bursting with camp! It’s truly a show that has it all: tears, laughs, sequins and some fabulous songs. You'd be lucky to even grab a ticket in the 2012 run as the theatre sold out months in advance.
Of course, darling, we made sure to hit up some of the local clubs! You'll find in 2012 the *"Madame Jojo's" *on Soho’s Berwick Street, this glamourous space has been entertaining crowds of revellers with a cabaret that was at once playful, subversive and always impeccably fabulous! The "G-A-Y" super club in London's Soho district, where it felt like you could lose yourself to the music for the night (maybe even forget about time-travel for a little while) in the glow of those vibrant purple lights.
After a whirlwind week in London, we popped across the channel to Paris, darling! Oh, Paris, how I love thee, with your charming cafes, romantic boulevards, and impeccable fashion!
The Parisian drag scene is simply intoxicating! From "The Moulin Rouge" to the "Bobino" there was so much spectacle on show it was almost too much!
You see, Paris is where "Cabaret Burlesque" first found its feet as a distinct cabaret form. The French, with their deep appreciation for all things theatrical, were instrumental in creating a space where artists could explore sexuality and subvert expectations through showmanship, music and dance!
Speaking of spectacular shows, darlings, we took in a spectacle of a show - the legendary "Moulin Rouge" in Paris. Oh, darling! The costumes were dazzling, the can-can was so sassy, and the entire atmosphere was electric.
Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without some serious fashion indulgence! The boutiques, darling! The street style! We just had to find the most perfect outfit for my next performance!
Now, darling, with this adventure, we have to be conscious of time. It’s time for me to dash, darlings! There’s a grand time-travelling adventure on the horizon, with many more glittering drag nights ahead. Don’t forget to come visit www.pink-tutu.com to join my mailing list so you won’t miss a beat!
Until next month, my darlings! Keep twirling, keep shining, and keep your pink tutus close. Love, Emma
