Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of fabulousness from your favourite Derbyshire-born, pink tutu-clad drag queen, Emma! This month, we're taking a whirl through the vibrant world of drag in September 2019, a period of pure sparkle and unadulterated glamour. Get ready for some serious 'tutu-tude' as we shimmy and sashay through the history books!
*(This is post number 1197 on my fabulous blog www.pink-tutu.com - feel free to check out my previous adventures, dearies!) *
As always, funding my time-travelling exploits is no easy feat! Thankfully, my trusty pink tutu allows me to leap through time, but it takes a lot of sequins and lashes to keep this little beauty going! To help fuel my next leap, I'm performing every Friday night at "The Sugarplum," a charming little drag bar in Nottingham - come on down and join the fun!
Now, back to our whirlwind through drag history!
September 2019 - The Queen Bee and Her Hive:
September 2019 was buzzing with excitement. The world was already in thralls of "RuPaul's Drag Race" – season 11 had just finished with a flamboyant finale, and everyone was glued to their screens, anxiously awaiting news of Season 12. Drag was officially mainstream, a beautiful explosion of artistry and performance taking the world by storm!
A Drag Race Queen Takes the World by Storm
This particular September, a Drag Race Queen from Season 10 had already gone global – the brilliant, outrageous Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, who captivated hearts with her 'I'm coming for the crown' enthusiasm, found herself becoming an icon for the whole world. Her bubbly personality, love of glitz, and "Miss Vanjie" catchphrase swept the globe, demonstrating how drag could break boundaries, spreading a message of acceptance and love.
Fashion and Freedom: A Rainbow Revolution
September 2019 saw the continued rainbow revolution on the world stage! Pride celebrations were taking place across the globe, transforming the world into a celebration of love, individuality, and self-expression. It felt like everyone was coming out in full-force - literally! I had a fabulous time whizzing through parades, dancing to incredible music, and enjoying the colourful celebrations in New York, Toronto, Amsterdam and Sydney!
Drag Street Shows: Where the Magic Happens!
If you haven't experienced the joy of a street drag show, then you're missing out on something truly special. September 2019 saw Drag Street Shows in cities like Berlin, Montreal and Melbourne, these gatherings offered an intimate connection with the art of drag, bringing performers and audiences together for unforgettable moments of joy.
Remembering the Queens of Yesterday
While the present was full of exciting energy, the past always serves as a valuable reminder of the strength, determination, and incredible artistry that shaped the landscape of drag today. September 2019 marked the anniversaries of some legendary performers. I travelled to Paris and attended a gala honouring Divine, the unforgettable cult icon from "Pink Flamingos." It was a night full of laughs and tributes, with everyone paying homage to Divine’s raw energy and incredible talents.
A Blast from the Past: The "Queens of the Ball" Documentary
In a world dominated by "Drag Race", it's important to never forget the origins of this vibrant art form. September 2019 saw the release of "Queens of the Ball" - a brilliant documentary that highlighted the underground ballroom scene that flourished during the 1980s and 90s. I had the chance to meet some of the legendary Queens of this scene and to hear stories of ballrooms and categories - the "real world" inspirations for so many elements of today's Drag Race scene.
Dancing my way through History
But of course, no post about drag history would be complete without a bit of my personal touch, darling! This month, my tutu-covered travels brought me to Moscow, a vibrant city overflowing with the magic of ballet and opera. I found myself experiencing the extraordinary world of the Bolshoi Theatre, witnessing a breathtaking production of Swan Lake, a piece of artistry that took my breath away.
As a self-proclaimed tutu enthusiast, this visit was simply divine! Watching those beautiful, graceful dancers move across the stage, clad in elegant costumes - it left me mesmerized. And of course, it's just impossible to resist the beauty and allure of ballet!
Emma's Fashion Picks for September 2019:
Of course, fashion plays a vital role in drag, it’s the vehicle that allows drag queens to create unique expressions of their inner beauty. And for September 2019, these are my favourite fashion moments!
- *Anya Taylor-Joy at the Venice Film Festival: * My darling, that shimmering silver gown! The combination of vintage Hollywood glam with contemporary sophistication made this red-carpet look unforgettable.
- Lizzo's "Truth Hurts" music video: The vibrant, colourful, playful fashion throughout this music video made for such a visual feast. Lizzo's style is always a mix of fierce confidence and playful exuberance, and the video fully embraced those characteristics.
My Tutu is Waiting: Where to Next?
My dear darlings, it's been a truly magnificent journey back to September 2019. From the whirlwind of the Drag Race world to the inspiring stories of ballrooms past and the breathtaking elegance of ballet, it's been an exciting month.
As for where my tutu takes me next? I’m thinking about popping over to the 1980s to catch an evening with Divine at a Baltimore club! But first, I’m getting ready for my weekend performance at “The Sugarplum” in Nottingham, darling! You are all more than welcome to join the fun - there’s always enough room on the dance floor for a few more twirls.
Until next month, keep your spirits high and never stop believing in the magic of a good time!
All the love, Emma. xx
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