Hello, darlings! Your favourite Derbyshire diva Emma is back, and this month I've spun my sparkly pink tutu back to February 2nd, 1970, a time before the fabulous glitter bomb that is RuPaul's Drag Race graced our screens! Can you believe it? Well, fret not, because I'm here to spill the tea on what was happening in the magical world of drag back then. Grab your favourite shade of pink lipstick and your highest heels - we're about to embark on a fabulous journey!
As always, I arrived in my time-traveling pink tutu with a swirl of pink confetti and a hearty "Hullo! Time to shine!". I was welcomed by the delightful aromas of vinyl, patchouli and just a hint of cigarette smoke – a heady combination I quite adore! I landed smack bang in the heart of Manhattan, ready to immerse myself in the pulsating drag scene of the time.
Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon The Cockettes, a legendary San Francisco-based performance troupe. These gorgeous goddesses of glam and chaos were bringing their signature style of theatre and drag to the New York stage! Imagine glitter-encrusted burlesque, theatricality at its peak, and a touch of the avant-garde - that was The Cockettes! This groundbreaking troupe challenged norms, celebrating self-expression and pushing the boundaries of performance, reminding us that drag is so much more than just makeup and costumes; it's an art form that can tell stories, make you think, and absolutely rock your world.
As I mingled with the local glitterati, I learned that the famous "The Cockettes on Tour" show had its first performance in New York City at The Judson Memorial Church, known for its tolerance and open-mindedness. This marked the beginning of a truly innovative theatrical era! It wasn’t just about sequins and feather boas, though there were plenty of both. The Cockettes showcased a radical, politically charged form of drag that demanded attention and, honestly, inspired me to dust off my own performance skills!
And, as a huge advocate of a bit of glitz and glam myself, my heart soared when I discovered the "The New York Review" was reporting about a Drag Ball taking place at the Palace Theatre on 42nd Street, with performers showcasing outrageous gowns and dazzling routines. It was a celebration of individuality, an explosion of fabulousness! If only my magical tutu had a "fast forward" function! I longed to see these pioneers strut their stuff.
However, all too soon, my magical tutu started flashing pink, indicating it was time for me to depart. As I stepped back through time, I was filled with awe for these courageous drag pioneers. They didn’t shy away from challenges or judgment, choosing to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate drag as a vibrant form of art and self-expression. It made me realise that the beauty of drag lies not just in its history but in its ongoing evolution, its constant willingness to defy expectations and break down barriers.
So, my loves, as you know, I’m always urging you to embrace your own individuality and express yourselves. Remember the pioneers of drag and their courageous pursuit of artistic freedom! It’s why I encourage all of you, dear readers, to slip into a fabulous pink tutu. It doesn’t matter if it's a feather-trimmed masterpiece or a simple cotton number, the power is in the act of putting it on and owning it.
Don’t just wear it; twirl, dance, and express yourselves! And remember, you can visit www.pink-tutu.com to join the conversation about our love of drag, explore historical moments in drag and join me in embracing this fabulous art form!
Until next time, stay glamorous and fabulous!
Emma xoxo
