Hello, my darling dears! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveling ballerina drag queen. I hope this post finds you in good spirits, darling, and that youâre ready for another fabulously glamorous trip back in time. Buckle up, because today weâre taking a trip back to June 6th, 1921.
The day began as always: a quick glam-up in my glittery boudoir. My time traveling tutu shimmered like a thousand suns as I applied my bright pink lipstick and carefully lined my eyes with my trusty black liquid liner. Ready to dazzle, I leaped into the twirling vortex of my tutuâs magic and whoosh! Back in time we go, ready to witness some fabulously fierce history.
1921: the Roaring Twenties, a time of change, progress, and dare I say, incredible style! The fashion world was a kaleidoscope of colours and flapper dresses. So much of what we see in fashion today was heavily influenced by the styles of that era, from the bobbed hairstyles to the dropped waists and luxurious embellishments. And darling, let's not forget the gorgeous dancing shoes, darling! Imagine: satin slippers and heels, some sparkling, some delicate. Honestly, pure, glorious dancefloor magic!
So, whatâs happening in the world of drag, you ask? While drag, in the way we know it today, wasn't quite in its flamboyant prime in 1921, let's delve into the incredible women of this era who paved the way for drag as we know it today! These were trailblazers who broke barriers and embraced gender-bending expressions.
One of my absolute favourites was Evelyn Nesbit, a stage actress and one of the most celebrated beauties of the time. Though she wasnât explicitly âdragâ, she did defy convention, challenging beauty standards, and embracing theatrical, flamboyant expression.
Think back to vaudeville. It was HUGE in the 1920s! The variety of performers on stage: dancers, singers, comedians, acrobats, they all had to be absolutely mesmerizing to keep the crowds engaged. It was a time of pure artistry, pushing boundaries, and embodying performance in new and unique ways. It's like a mini drag show but a century ago! I wonder how those artists felt knowing their dazzling displays of entertainment were shaping the foundations of drag we know and love today?
Speaking of history and fabulousness, darling, there are two more incredibly inspirational women we have to celebrate from this period!
First, we have Marguerite Stein, a captivating stage and cabaret artist. She pushed the boundaries with her daring and scandalous performances. Her powerful persona and daring style set the tone for future female entertainers and challenged gender roles. Itâs no wonder that sheâs recognized today as a legend in Parisian cabaret culture!
Secondly, the remarkable Josephine Baker, whose stage presence was electrifying! An icon of her time, she truly transcended racial boundaries and expectations with her wild dance moves and striking performance style. Josephine wasn't just an entertainer; she was a force to be reckoned with, an artist breaking barriers and redefining beauty standards, leaving a trail of shimmering glitter for other trailblazing performers to follow.
Let me tell you, honey, these women were more than performers; they were cultural game changers, paving the way for drag, encouraging confidence, individuality, and sheer unadulterated sass!
Speaking of sassy, letâs delve into the fabulous street performances of the 1920s, darling. While âdrag showsâ werenât exactly happening as we know them today, imagine, in our heads, the most exquisite drag balls! Picture gorgeous ladies dancing in luxurious dresses in nightclubs, cabaret stages glittering under spotlights with beautiful singers belting out powerful tunes, all surrounded by a passionate and adoring crowd, ready for a good time. Can you imagine? My heart is pounding just thinking about it! I wouldnât mind stepping into this era, putting on a fabulous vintage number, and showing off my best moves for the crowd.
That reminds me! June 6th, 1921, darling! Remember, weâre celebrating history, fashion, and the pure magic of performing and how those historical milestones pave the way for todayâs fabulous, confident, drag stars. So, why not grab your dancing shoes, your best sequins, your finest feathered headdresses and show your support for our inspiring past and all those who dared to be different and spread joy through their dazzling art.
From Derbyshire, England to 1921! Isnât time travel amazing? And don't forget: I post these monthly, so if you're a fellow time traveler and would like to share your journey, I'd love to hear from you!
Now, go forth and live your truth, my lovelies! And remember, itâs always a good day to don a pink tutu and shimmy to the beat of your own fabulous rhythm.
Lots of love, Emma xx
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