Hello my darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and it's time for another dazzling trip down the drag timeline! This month, we're shimmying back to February 2nd, 1979 – get those leg warmers out, because we're diving into a disco-tastic decade!
But first, a little something about my outfit!
You see, today's pink tutu is a dream, I swear! It's layered, with gossamer chiffon, shimmering sequins, and an incredible ruffle that swirls and swishes with every twirl. And what better accessory for a time traveller than a pair of crystal-studded knee-high boots that would make even the most high-fashion ballerina blush!
So, how do I time travel in a tutu, you ask? Well, it's a magical little secret, darling. Suffice to say it involves a pinch of glitter, a splash of courage, and a whole lot of belief!
Right, back to 1979! This time, my dear readers, we’re going international!
A Drag Queen's Guide to 1979: New York, New York!
We're landing in the Big Apple, and, let me tell you, New York is alive with drag! But it's not just about the shows, honey! 1979 is the golden era for The Cockettes, the iconic San Francisco-born drag troupe that has taken the East Coast by storm. Their outrageous shows are like a feast for the senses, a heady mix of comedy, theater, and camp that defies all definitions! Their unique blend of bohemian chic and avant-garde aesthetics makes them a total inspiration for any drag queen who embraces the theatrical and artistic aspects of the art form. I imagine my time-traveling tutu twirling alongside their glorious, theatrical numbers!
Of course, no drag queen excursion to New York is complete without checking out The Pyramid Club – the legendary downtown venue where the avant-garde art form really takes flight. This is a hub for the creative, where drag, performance art, and the music scene collide in a swirling kaleidoscope of creativity.
Think The Cockettes, think Jackie Curtis with their boundary-pushing, performance-art drag! Imagine these legends belting out glam-rock tunes in sequined dresses that practically defy gravity.
Now, it's not all glamorous stage shows, lovelies. The streets of New York are just as fascinating. Picture a bustling Greenwich Village with drag queens taking over the streets. Think gender-bending fashion statements, rebellious spirits, and a defiant, loud expression of individuality. The energy, the atmosphere, it just crackles with electrifying passion!
And it's not just the New York scene, dear readers!
Let's hop to London, shall we?
Oh, the capital of Britain is brimming with a dazzling mix of traditional theatre drag, glamorous nightclubs, and the underground scene that thrives in the gritty pubs and back alleys.
Think of The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, where legendary drag queens like Divine, who'd later become a star in John Waters’s cult films, and the ever-so-fabulous Leigh Bowery with their outrageous and avant-garde fashion sense. This is where the "genderfuck" vibe that defined London’s alternative drag scene begins to take root! It's a bold, artistic explosion that truly shatters any pre-conceived ideas of gender roles and expectations!
And in a more traditional setting, the theatre continues to hold a prominent place in London's drag scene! Think The Drag Times at The Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch, where talented performers would take to the stage in traditional, vaudeville style. Their flamboyant and musical performances provided audiences with a nostalgic, theatrical spectacle of sheer joy.
A Quick Note from Emma's Fashion Diary!
Speaking of glamorous styles, what are the essential pieces of any self-respecting drag queen's wardrobe in 1979? Well, let me tell you! We're talking glitter galore! We’re talking feather boas so big they could rival the biggest meringue! Think sparkly leotards, bedazzled headbands, and those legendary platform shoes. Think the larger than life sparkling outfits of the Village People and the glitter-fueled energy of the disco era!
And don't forget, darlings, those incredible hairstyles! I'm talking massive afros, gravity-defying hairspray sculptures, and elaborate hairpieces that make a statement bigger than the most magnificent sequined gown. It’s a celebration of individual expression through the power of hair and beauty.
Emma's Tips for Drag Queens and Tutu Lovers!
Want to embrace the 1979 spirit? Well, my lovely ladies, let me share a few pointers to help you shine:
- Embrace the Glitter!: Embrace everything sparkly and glittering, whether it's a dazzling sequin dress, a bejewelled headpiece, or your own personal glitter bomb!
- Experiment with Fabrics: Let your creative spirit flow! Use feathers, chiffon, velvet, and everything in between to craft your fabulous ensembles! Let your costumes be works of art, and let your imagination lead the way.
- Master the Art of Hairspray: Remember, girls, it’s all about volume in 1979! So get that trusty can of hairspray and get ready to create those iconic high-fashion hairstyles. Let your imagination soar, and create styles that scream “1979 diva!”
- Channel Your Inner Diva!: The 1979 drag scene was all about owning the stage with your confidence, charisma, and sass. So be bold, be confident, and let your personality shine! The best way to capture the essence of 1979 is to unleash your inner superstar!
Final Thoughts!
Oh, and did I mention my drag show tonight? It’s called "Pink Tutu's Time Machine" at the fabulous new nightclub, "Glitter & Grace!" It's going to be fabulous! Join me as I travel through time, sharing all the stories and lessons learned through the centuries! You might even catch me sporting a feather boa, a glitter-infused hairstyle, and a dance move or two inspired by my favorite drag queens of the 1979!
Come on down, my darlings, it’s going to be a dazzling, unforgettable, pink-tutu-tastic night!
Until next month, remember, live your life in a pink tutu!
Much love, Emma 💖
P.S. Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com and follow me on social media to share your own time-traveling stories and style tips!
