#DragQueenHistory during 1976 03 March

Post #675 - www.pink-tutu.com

Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident time-travelling pink tutu aficionado, ready to whisk you off to the glorious past! Today, we're waltzing back to the vibrant era of bell bottoms, platform shoes, and enough glitter to dazzle a disco ball – the 70s, darlings! But not just any day, we’re diving into the world of drag on 3rd March, 1976!

As usual, I packed my pink tutu with the utmost care. After all, you never know what treasures you might find tucked away in a dusty old vintage shop! This month, my time-travelling outfit was a riot of pink and purple feathers, complete with a shimmering pink leotard that would make a flamingo blush! Now, don't ask how I get this fabulous outfit back to the 21st century – that's my little secret, but let's just say that glitter is involved, always is!

I landed in New York City with a twirl and a flourish. 1976 New York City! The energy crackled in the air. It was like the entire city was humming with creativity! You see, the world was still catching up to the brilliance of drag! In 1976, it was a scene still bursting with underground clubs and private parties. It was the kind of place that whispered "we’re about to explode!" – and trust me, darlings, explode it did.

After a bit of a wander (I mean, I had to see the neon lights of Times Square, right?), I ended up at The Ninth Circle – a renowned haven for the drag scene, situated on West 13th Street in the heart of the Village! The vibe was electrifying – an eclectic mix of artistic souls, rock and roll stars, and the most stunning drag queens this side of the Mississippi. The Ninth Circle was a magnet for artists, poets, performers – and I had to find out why.

This was long before the "Drag Race" days, long before RuPaul ruled the world – and this place was the beating heart of the NYC drag scene! I walked through the doors, took in the sights and sounds of this legendary spot – the air thick with cigarette smoke, the music thrumming like a heartbeat – and it was like stepping onto the stage itself! I felt right at home.

I’d heard tell of the Ninth Circle's infamous "Disco Drag" night. On Thursdays, drag queens dressed to the nines (or, in our case, the sequins and rhinestones!) and sashayed onto the dance floor, performing with fierce charisma. The drag on display was stunning! The make-up – bold and striking, with eye-popping shadows and dramatic lips, was something to behold. The hair? Wild, high, and full of volume – these girls (and boys!) were showing New York what drag was really about: fierce, flamboyant, and undeniably fun!

That evening, I had the honour of sharing dinner with a bunch of NYC drag queens! Let's just say they were hilarious, sharp as tacks, and absolutely full of stories. They shared stories about the early days of drag, about the struggles and triumphs, about being themselves in a world that wasn’t always ready to understand. I was captivated.

Now, darlings, it wouldn't be a real 70s drag dinner without a dash of gossip and a splash of "tell all". I'm not going to spill all the tea, just know that drag was thriving! We’re talking queens breaking barriers, redefining gender and pushing boundaries in a way that was absolutely revolutionary. These women (and, yes, sometimes men in dresses!) were blazing a trail, paving the way for all the drag queens to come after them.

And I was right there, with them, feeling their passion, their grit, and their determination – their unyielding love for the art of drag. And that’s the thing about drag: it’s not just about makeup, clothes, or theatrics. It’s about freedom, about self-expression, and finding your own unique way to shine!

Honestly, being in this drag haven – The Ninth Circle – it just reminded me why I love pink tutus so much. My whole existence revolves around expressing myself. It's about pushing the boundaries of fashion, embracing my inner-diva and, of course, a whole lot of sparkle! The drag queens I met, the shows I saw, the stories I heard – they all painted a picture of a time where drag was an underground phenomenon, an act of defiance and liberation! And now, it's all become such a monumental, beautiful part of popular culture. It’s been amazing to see drag move from underground clubs to the mainstream spotlight.

Remember, darlings, this is just one stop on my time-travelling journey through drag history. Next month, we're diving into a completely different chapter! And who knows, maybe next time I’ll have a pink tutu and feather boa in hand! Be sure to check in with me next month for another fabulously flamboyant journey into the world of drag!

Till then, remember: don't be afraid to embrace your inner-diva, to twirl like nobody’s watching, and wear your pink tutu with pride! Because drag, darling, is a celebration of individuality, and that's something worth celebrating.

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com