Helloooo my darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling pink tutu queen, ready to take you on another dazzling journey through the glamorous world of drag history!
This month, my magical tutu has whisked me back to March 3rd, 1984, a date brimming with drag delights. This particular trip took a few extra pirouettes and jetés to arrange as, well, let’s just say my little time-travelling tutu wasn’t quite built for landing in the middle of a blizzard! (But fret not, dear readers, my darling wardrobe trunk had the most fabulous selection of thermal leggings, so my sparkly pink legs remained dazzling despite the snow!)
This time, my destination was the big apple itself, New York City, the Mecca of drag, and what a journey it was!
So, what was happening in the world of drag back in '84? Oh, it was a glorious mish-mash of ballrooms, street performances, and those fabulous early days of drag on TV, just starting to gain traction! Let's have a little peek behind the sequined curtain, shall we?
Balls, Balls, Balls!
Imagine a whirlwind of dazzling costumes, fierce expressions, and electrifying dance moves - you've just entered the vibrant world of the ball scene in '84. It wasn’t all about sequins and glitter either. A true ball was about so much more - it was about the freedom to express oneself, about celebrating diversity, and of course, about slaying those looks.
This year saw the birth of The Legendary Ball, the event that propelled the ball scene into the limelight! It was hosted by the House of Xtravaganza (another fabulous name, I'm obsessed!) and became an instant hit. With a phenomenal line-up of categories, showcasing the talents and creativity of its participants, the event was a testament to the sheer talent within the ball culture. This legendary night sparked the ball scene's expansion across the nation, a movement that would change the landscape of drag and LGBTQ+ culture forever.
Drag On The Street: New York's Fierce Flavours
Stepping onto the streets of NYC back in '84 was like being enveloped in a glorious kaleidoscope of colour and charisma. Imagine the legendary drag scene icons, The Cockettes, and The Angels of Light who helped usher in a new era of drag, full of glitter and fabulousness.
These groups pioneered drag as a visual art form, incorporating elements of performance art, theatrical makeup, and even the bold colours of punk and underground culture. Drag performances on the street, from drag queen buskers on 42nd Street to smaller, intimate performances in various neighbourhoods, gave drag queens a platform to reach diverse audiences and show their creativity, blending art and everyday life in a spectacular way!
Taking The Stage: A Drag Explosion!
'84 was also a remarkable year for drag television! You might have caught “The Fabulous Fashion Show,” a programme on WNEW in New York that showcased amazing, innovative drag looks. This was a landmark moment - one of the first mainstream television programmes to give a platform to drag queens and showcase the artistry and creativity of the community. And we're not just talking runway walks here! It featured interview segments where drag queens shared their experiences and the show was truly about more than just fashion - it was about showcasing the incredible talents of drag queens as artists, performers, and community members.
A Dash Of Glam On My Time Travelling Travels:
And now, for my favourite part, the fashion! Imagine the 80s, with its bold, flamboyant colours, the emergence of street wear, and a touch of punk, blended with that quintessentially New York sass! And speaking of sass… Have you ever seen drag queens with their amazing vintage coats and jackets?! It's as though they’d pulled out a treasure chest full of glamour, all in vibrant shades, dazzling prints, and stunning details. And they’re rocking those hairstyles! Think oversized bouffants, dramatic curls, and vibrant colours – and let’s not forget the jewels, a staple of the era!
The entire city was brimming with a unique blend of vintage chic and edgy punk, creating an atmosphere that was as unique and diverse as its residents. It was a melting pot of creativity, a symphony of visual splendour, a ballet of beauty!
Back To My Little Pink Tutu World
My trip to '84 New York was full of sparkle, a celebration of the power of self-expression and a true testament to the dynamism and creativity of drag. The bold styles, the vibrant spirit of the drag scene, and the fierce confidence on display have definitely inspired me! As you all know, a pink tutu is for everyone.
My darlings, I truly believe that drag is more than just costumes, make-up and hair - it's an art form that speaks to us, it gives us a space to express ourselves and celebrate who we are. So get your pink tutus ready! I want you all to join me in creating your own drag looks, expressing yourself, and stepping out of the box. Because, after all, isn't that what it’s all about?
See you all in the next blog, darlings! Until then, keep those pink tutus twirling and that dazzling energy flowing!
**Lots of Love,
Emma xoxo**
PS: Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com! It's your one-stop shop for all things fabulous, from time travel tips to the best pink tutu resources in the world.
P.P.S: You can always catch my drag shows, so be sure to follow me on all the usual social media sites. I love meeting my fellow fabulous queens - don’t be shy, come and say hello!
(Post No: 771)
