Hiya darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu wearing time traveller. It's been a while since my last post, but trust me, I've been busy, jet-setting around the globe, all in the name of spreading the gospel of pink tutus, of course.
This month, I found myself zipping back in time to a very exciting date, the 9th of September 1920. Oh, the glam, the glamour, the sheer audacity of it all! Let me tell you, 1920 was a year overflowing with creativity and a sense of change. The roaring twenties were just starting to roar, and with them, the explosion of what we now know as drag culture. But let's rewind the clock and see just how far back we need to travel for the roots of drag to truly take shape, shall we?
My Journey Through the Archives: A Pink Tutu Perspective
From Derbyshire to 1920 - talk about a fashion leap! Stepping out of my little cottage in the Peak District, my pink tutu practically thrumming with excitement, I popped the magical time-travel switch. Whizz, bam, swoosh - and there I was! Stepping onto the bustling streets of New York, surrounded by a frenzy of taxis and people with bobbed haircuts and droopy trousers. I mean, I get it, the flapper era, all about shedding the past and flaunting a daring new look. I could feel the air crackle with energy - people were redefining themselves, shaking off the strictures of the past.
As a dedicated historian of all things drag, I made a beeline for a local drag performance. It wasn't quite what I expected. No flashy makeup, no shimmering sequins - instead, it was more about subtle changes and a mischievous playfulness with gender norms. Picture this: gentlemen with their hats cocked, their collars slightly undone, wearing extravagant jewelry and a touch of eyeliner, with their "daring" outfits more suggestive of women's clothing, but never quite stepping over the line. It was so much more about playing with gender rather than full-on theatricality.
I was lucky enough to witness a performance by Julian Eltinge - a superstar drag artist of his time, renowned for his comedic talents. It wasn't the dazzling spectacle I'm accustomed to, but the way Julian navigated these social boundaries, bending and contorting gender expectations, was absolutely captivating.
This early form of drag was deeply rooted in the world of Vaudeville, that exhilarating world of live performance where comedy, music, and theatre intertwined. Back then, it was all about satire and parody, using costumes and theatricality to poke fun at society's conventions and explore the complexities of gender.
Let's Get This Party Started: A History Lesson with Glitter
You see, drag is an evolution, a constantly changing, dynamic form of art that reflects the times. It's not just about clothes, darlings, it's about expression. So when you see a queen rocking a sparkly tutu in 2023, understand that her lineage traces back to those daring souls who challenged norms in 1920, with their gentle nods to the feminine and their fearless embraces of the extraordinary.
But let's talk about those daring souls! 1920 was buzzing with artistic energy and social change - an incredible time for drag and theatre to truly blossom! Let's dive into the happenings of this exciting era!
A Time Capsule of Draggy Delights
1) Vaudeville on the Rise: In the heart of New York City, Vaudeville was enjoying its golden age. Imagine dazzling stages lit up with spectacular variety acts. Performers were pushing the boundaries with their routines, pushing those gender lines to explore comedic satire. And guess what? There were several drag acts on these very stages!
2) Julian Eltinge, a Star is Born: As I mentioned earlier, Julian Eltinge, a powerhouse in the drag scene, played a huge role in redefining how drag was viewed. With his flawless stage presence and ability to inhabit a persona completely different from his own, he captivated audiences and became a celebrated figure.
3) Broadway Beginnings: Let's not forget about Broadway, another crucial hub for theatre in 1920. While not strictly drag, Broadway's influence was substantial. With flamboyant costumes and theatrical personas, Broadway became a crucial incubator for experimentation and pushed the boundaries of what was considered 'acceptable' performance. This was where performers began to blur lines and lay the foundation for a new wave of gender expression in performance.
4) From America to London, the International Buzz of Drag: Drag wasn't just confined to America. In London, the scene was vibrant and pulsating with energy. Just like in America, London saw a rising tide of performers pushing boundaries in theatrical circles. It was an exhilarating time for theatre in the UK, with its experimentation and creative explorations.
5) The Dawn of the Drag Queen: Now, you're probably wondering why I keep saying drag artist, drag performer, but not drag queen. Well, darling, the term 'drag queen' as we know it, was still emerging at this time. It would gain popularity in the coming decades, as the scene evolved, with more women and femmes being actively involved in drag performance. It's interesting to consider how terms and meanings evolve, even within a field like drag, reflecting societal shifts and changes.
My Pink Tutu Perspective
Oh darling, 1920 was just a peek into a time when drag, and indeed performance, was truly shaking up the status quo. As we journey forward, the scene would grow in leaps and bounds, reaching heights we could only imagine! I can't wait to see what fabulousness is coming next. Who knows, I might just bump into the founders of the 'drag queen' term in a few months' time!
But for now, darlings, it's time for me to get back to my pink-tutu business. I'll keep exploring the past, searching for the roots of this vibrant art form that keeps my heart beating! Till next time, don't forget to sprinkle some sparkle wherever you go, and maybe even wear a pink tutu...you never know what fabulous surprises you might find!
Keep shining, and keep believing in the magic of pink tutus!
Find out more about my pink-tutu time-travel adventures and catch me performing at a show near you!
www.pink-tutu.com
