112 Marbles
It's a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I'd be a drag queen.
Dolly Parton
My running partner and I went to a drag show last night featuring the incredible “Flava” (not to be confused with rapper Flava Flav). I’ve never seen such an amazing drag performer. Flava was decked out in elaborate Mowhalk headdress and unique make-up. I can be a pretty tough critic, yet I felt totally entertained by Flava’s upbeat and energetic dancing. There’s nothing sadder than a bad drag show, but when they’re good, they’re an enticing blend of subversiveness, fun and play. As I was watching the show, I thought how a year ago I would never have seen myself in a club watching a drag show but there I was. Life has changed and it is good.
After the performance, we stuck around to do some dancing. While we were on the dance floor, I noticed a somewhat plain looking African-American man standing with an empty Corona bottle by the side of the dance floor. I nudged my friend and asked him if he thought it was Flava sans drag. He thought not but then I saw it - a little piece of glitter caught the light and shone on his naked face. I went to the bar and bought a Corona and brought it to Flava, thanking him for his amazing performance. He was most gracious and up close I could see the hints of the latent drag queen within him.
I’ve been working on a drag character for Burlesque Palace and last night’s show helped me get the spirit of the character while also getting the sense of some of the character’s internal and external struggle. Before last night, Lulu Belle was just a glimmer in my eye. After last night, she was born. The world is filled with an endless supply of inspiration.
Drag may not be your thing but what new worlds have opened up after your breakup? What worlds would you like to see open up?
It's a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I'd be a drag queen.
Dolly Parton
My running partner and I went to a drag show last night featuring the incredible “Flava” (not to be confused with rapper Flava Flav). I’ve never seen such an amazing drag performer. Flava was decked out in elaborate Mowhalk headdress and unique make-up. I can be a pretty tough critic, yet I felt totally entertained by Flava’s upbeat and energetic dancing. There’s nothing sadder than a bad drag show, but when they’re good, they’re an enticing blend of subversiveness, fun and play. As I was watching the show, I thought how a year ago I would never have seen myself in a club watching a drag show but there I was. Life has changed and it is good.
After the performance, we stuck around to do some dancing. While we were on the dance floor, I noticed a somewhat plain looking African-American man standing with an empty Corona bottle by the side of the dance floor. I nudged my friend and asked him if he thought it was Flava sans drag. He thought not but then I saw it - a little piece of glitter caught the light and shone on his naked face. I went to the bar and bought a Corona and brought it to Flava, thanking him for his amazing performance. He was most gracious and up close I could see the hints of the latent drag queen within him.
I’ve been working on a drag character for Burlesque Palace and last night’s show helped me get the spirit of the character while also getting the sense of some of the character’s internal and external struggle. Before last night, Lulu Belle was just a glimmer in my eye. After last night, she was born. The world is filled with an endless supply of inspiration.
Drag may not be your thing but what new worlds have opened up after your breakup? What worlds would you like to see open up?
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