In order to understand the art of drag performance, it helps to understand the history and theory behind the art form. In this article I'll discuss how the Drag Race series works and how it's evolving. I'll also discuss some of the different styles and approaches that are used today.
Drag Race 101
What is the art of drag performance? What is drag? It's when a woman puts on makeup, high heels, and a costume and then performs in front of a live audience. There's more to it than that, but that's what we all know it for now.
There are three basic categories of drag performers: male impersonators, female impersonators, and character impersonators.
Male impersonators are performers who dress in drag and imitate the gender of another male celebrity. Popular examples of male impersonators are RuPaul and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. They are called Drag Queens because the word drag is a verb. In English, the word drag is defined as "the act of moving or dressing up to look like a member of the opposite sex."
Female impersonators put on makeup, high heels, and a costume and pretend to be a female celebrity. Popular examples of female impersonators are Lady Gaga, Vanessa Williams, and Christina Aguilera. They are called Drag Kings because the word drag is a noun. In English, the word drag is defined as "the act of moving or dressing up to look like a member of the opposite sex."
Character impersonators are performers who impersonate a real person. Popular examples of character impersonators are Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, and Barack Obama.
Drag Race has evolved over the years, and today there are several different shows that use a variety of different styles and approaches.
Drag Race: The Search For The Next Drag Superstar
One of the most popular shows today is RuPaul's Drag Race. This show pits 12 contestants against one another in a series of weekly challenges and eliminations. It is hosted by RuPaul Charles.
The show has been on the air for over 10 years, and it currently airs every week in the fall. The season usually begins in late September and continues until the winner is crowned.
The show is made available online as well as on television. All episodes are uploaded to YouTube and made available for free. Viewers can also watch some of the shows live on VH1's website or through their app.
RuPaul's Drag Race is the longest running reality TV show of all time, and the first episode aired in 2009. It was created by Ross Mathews and produced by VH1 and World of Wonder.
Season 1 started with 12 aspiring drag queens competing against one another for the crown of "America's Next Drag Superstar". The show ran for 4 months and ended in December 2009.
Season 2 featured 16 new contestants vying for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar", and it began in January 2010. Season 2 continued for 8 months and ended in August 2010.