Hiya darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu wearing, time-travelling, drag queen blogger!
Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things fabulous, a place where history meets high-kicks, and we dive into the colourful, sequin-encrusted world of Drag Queen History.
Today, we're going all the way back to 1st January 1922. The world is still recovering from the Great War, and everyone's got a bit of the flapper vibe, don’t you think? As the clocks struck midnight, it felt a little less ‘roaring twenties’ and more like ‘roaring coughs and the occasional spliff' .
You know how much I love my ballet fashion, right? Well, back in 1922, ballet fashion was undergoing a revolution, darling. Think elegant, long lines, simple shapes, and lots of shimmering tulle! I just know a pink tutu would've looked absolutely exquisite with this look, and that's exactly where my time travelling tutu came in.
I whizzed off to New York, a vision in hot pink with an abundance of glitter (and not a single cobweb, mind you!) ready for a dose of theatrical wonder. I know we all dream of seeing legendary performer Josephine Baker's routines, well I was living that dream! She was already a huge sensation, and girl, could she shimmy! Her unique style of dance, inspired by African and Caribbean cultures, was revolutionary, with those costumes, feathers and that iconic, show stopping banana skirt. It felt so electric, and you can’t deny the impact she had, paving the way for drag artists of all genders and backgrounds to proudly express themselves on stage.
While New York was bustling, in the heart of Europe, another important story was brewing, and *it was scandalous darling! * A scandal in Vienna involving Anita Berber, a famous German dancer and cabaret performer, who was notorious for her outrageous performances and rebellious spirit, pushing boundaries with daring costumes, and, let's just say, an almost ‘notorious' level of on-stage spontaneity (she even danced naked in the early years, so you can imagine the drama!).
But listen, the really exciting news for 1922 is something else entirely, and this has everything to do with you guys. There's something stirring about drag today that just doesn't compare to other periods. More women and trans performers than ever are owning their individuality, shattering gender barriers, and spreading glitter and fierce self-expression all around. It’s a whole new age, and it’s incredibly empowering to see that the pink-tutu revolution is not only spreading through time but across the world!
To celebrate the drag phenomenon, I popped in to see a show on the London stage - a real spectacle! It wasn't all about traditional stage plays though; burlesque shows were becoming increasingly popular! Imagine, corsets and feathers and all the flamboyant, camp fun! I felt a deep kinship with the performers who weren't afraid to push boundaries and challenge norms, all through wit and dazzling showmanship! And can we talk about the glamour?! Think beautiful costumes, sassy choreography, and oh, the sheer drama! They were creating their own realities, a place where confidence ruled and creativity reigned!
I even ventured to a private dinner club in the glamorous city of Paris, where I was lucky enough to mingle with some incredible artists from all walks of life. These gatherings were hubs for creative expression, a hotbed for new trends and where the boundaries of drag, theatre, and fashion all collided.
It really hits home the fact that even back then, drag wasn't just a hobby. It was a statement. A way to create space for yourself, express your individuality, and challenge those limiting expectations – just as it is for so many drag artists today.
After spending an afternoon in a luxurious boutique (where I had the absolute best time buying beautiful fabric scraps – always good to add some texture to my next pink tutu!), I travelled back to my Derbyshire home to reflect on the day’s discoveries.
One thing’s for certain, my pink tutu was definitely getting more fabulous by the minute. I think it was the sparkly sequins from that dress shop! Now, let's wrap up this little time travel jaunt, shall we? I want you all to embrace the drag magic in 1922 – those fabulous and glamorous performers were making waves, inspiring us to own our confidence and be the best versions of ourselves!
So remember: Wear that pink tutu, go out there, shimmy those hips, and embrace your unique drag style. The world needs a whole lot more sparkle, especially today!
Until next month darlings! Stay fabulous!
Love, Emma xox
* www.pink-tutu.com*
