Helloooo darlings! Emma here, your fabulous Derbyshire drag queen blogger, and guess what? It’s time for another pink-tutu-powered adventure through the annals of drag history! This month, my magical tutu's taking me back to 4th April 1954 - a date bursting with vintage vibes and a tantalising taste of the glamour that shaped the drag scene we know and love today.
Hold onto your boas, babes, because we're diving into a decade that knew how to throw a show, with dazzling performances and daring fashion. Think feathers, sequins, and yes, even more pink tutus than you can shake a feather boa at!
A Spotlight on 1954:
1954! The year that Elvis Presley took the world by storm, Disneyland opened its magical gates, and my oh my, the world of drag was sashaying with style and sass! While the world outside may have been a bit conservative, the drag scene was bursting with creativity and an unshakeable spirit of self-expression. This was a time when the theatrical aspect of drag really shone, where big numbers and spectacular costumes stole the show.
Think glitzy burlesque shows with glittering costumes, a mix of glamour, and camp humour. Imagine a drag queen dressed as a glamorous "Lady in Red" who just might break out into a showstopping tap dance routine (it happened!). It's no wonder that the 50s saw the rise of icons like Miss Kitty and Juanita Carmen, whose talents helped pave the way for generations of fabulous queens.
From the Big Apple to Beyond:
Oh darling, I just adore hopping through time! This time, I landed in the vibrant heart of New York City, which was practically bursting with legendary venues that were the hotbeds for drag's magic.
Firstly, I couldn’t resist a visit to "The 8th Street Playhouse." I got whisked away with its off-Broadway performances featuring cross-dressing talent and daring storylines. You see, 1954, it was a year where the boundaries were being pushed, and drag, my lovelies, was at the forefront!
My oh my, but next, I ventured into the "Jewel Box Theatre". This, my darlings, was a place to see and be seen. I saw a captivating show featuring the queen of vaudeville, Julie Wilson, with her amazing voice and effortless elegance, I just wanted to cry!
Let me tell you, you could feel the buzz of anticipation in the air as everyone got ready for a truly fabulous night of entertainment. The audience was completely enthralled, every laugh and applause added to the electric atmosphere, It was fabulous. Just as my inner fashionista was going crazy, I suddenly caught sight of something very familiar.. oh darling, guess what, pink tutus! They were even incorporated in the production, making their appearance with elegance and twirls. Now that’s what I call making history!
And let’s not forget about those iconic dance hall venues that really got those feet moving! Places like The Roseland Ballroom, known for its beautiful floors and grand chandeliers. Can you imagine the legendary Jackie Curtis and her bold drag personas hitting the dance floor there? It's all about having fun, feeling that rhythm, and owning every single moment, darlings!
Beyond the Broadway Buzz:
As always, with my magical tutu I’m not just a New York gal! This trip I traveled to England’s bustling metropolis - London!
It’s always a treat to go back in time to my lovely homeland and see where drag first took hold. I went to "The Windmill Theatre," which was infamous for its famous nude chorus line, where talented women danced in their underwear - all perfectly legal, as a rule existed back then in England called 'the Windmill Rule' allowing performers to legally appear nude under certain conditions.
It wasn't just about the big cities though. Drag's influence could be seen everywhere, even in places like "The Palais de Dance" in Bournemouth (It's a fantastic spot now with seaside views and plenty of opportunities to twirl those tutus!) back in '54 the "Palais de Dance" had a great mix of entertainment, and some amazing dance bands. So even in small town England, drag found a way to inspire.
But you know me, I’m never content to just see history. You’ve got to LIVE it! So I joined a group of drag queens getting ready to go out for the night. We were a mixed group. One queen was rocking a glamorous glamour, wearing a silk dress with long gloves and a showstopping feathered hat. The others embraced that bold look of the time, sporting vibrant make up, full skirts, and some fantastic shoes with big, chunky heels - darling, they just loved that '50s vibe! I just loved how everyone embraced their own unique style.
Time to Shine
You might wonder what makes my pink tutu so special? What gives it all this magic? Well, darlings, it’s more than just a garment. It’s a symbol! A symbol of expressing oneself, a reminder that we can break down any barrier with confidence, creativity and a dash of camp.
The 50s saw an evolution in drag. Not just from burlesque to a wider theatrical context. We can see how important that era was for drag's acceptance and impact. These queens inspired everyone who witnessed them and shaped the landscape of drag that we know and love today. Their commitment, talent and showmanship were paving the way, a bold move towards the empowerment and joy that drag has always brought to our lives!
As for me, I've had another amazing adventure through drag history. As I slip out of my magical pink tutu, I’m reminded that drag is not about fashion or costumes, it's about using your voice, finding your tribe and above all, having fun, darlings! Drag has a story, a vibrant, fabulous story and it's ours to tell, celebrate and share. So put on a pink tutu (or anything that makes you feel fabulous) and get out there and show the world your own fabulousness! Because when it comes to drag, every queen's story matters.
Until next month, darlings!
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
