By Davey Wavey
For those of you who have been following my YouTube videos or blog, you probably know that I’m a basic-bitch at heart. As someone who doesn’t drink—and who religiously sticks to a 10PM bedtime—I’m not much of a partier. Though I have my moments, there’s not much about loud music, drunken debauchery or late nights that tickle my fancy.
Last week, I spent a few days vacationing with a girlfriend in Provincetown. It was her first time in the Massachusetts gay Mecca, and so I wanted to show her a fun time. We teamed up with Haley Star, my best drag queen friend (we met in yearbook club at our all-boys Catholic High School), and headed over to the Boatslip Resort for the Tea Dance.
For more than 25 years, the Tea Dance has been a Provincetown favorite. Each day, hundreds of men (and a few dozen adventurous women) descend on the Boatslip’s dock for drinks, good music and dancing. And, if the sun is out and the Mercury is rising, you’ll undoubtedly see lots and lots of skin. Best of all, the dance is from 4:00 – 7:00PM. In other words, it works perfectly with my bedtime.
Depending on the day, some of the Tea Dances are themed. Each Thursday, DJ Maryalice turns back time and hosts the Solid Gold Tea Dance, playing hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Many guests even come in costume. There also special dances for the holidays (IndependDANCE Tea) and theme weeks (like Bear Week, etc.) to keep things interesting. Cover is usually five bucks—unless you buy a weekly pass at a discounted rate.
When you go to the Tea Dance with a drag queen, it’s especially easy to meet new people. We met tons of locals and visitors alike, and even some fans of my YouTube channels. It really was a lot of fun—and I’d definitely consider it one of the “must do” activities on a trip to Provincetown.
Because the Tea Dance ends at 7:00PM, it’s perfect timing for a dinner out on the town. Since Provincetown is really just a two-street village, all the restaurants are within walking distance—which is especially helpful for the more inebriated guests. And with many of the shows staring at 9:00PM, dinner is done just in time for the evening entertainment. We watched Mrs. Richfield 1981’s show called “We’ll All Be Dead By Christmas” and it was a little bit life-changing. She’s a doll.
Next time you’re in Provincetown, make sure you partake in the great summer tradition that is the Tea Dance. See you there!
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