Hiya darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling drag queen, and welcome back to another edition of my Pink-Tutu Time Travels blog. I'm absolutely buzzing to be here, twirling my way back in time to the fabulous 5th of May, 1922! This month, I'm going full vintage glam, darling, because believe me, there was plenty of it around!
As you know, dear readers, I have a particular affinity for the delicate ruffles and sheer beauty of a well-crafted tutu. And today, I’m wearing a very special one – a delicate pink tulle confection, hand-beaded and flowing with the very essence of glamour, ready to be whisked back to a time of elegant extravagance. So, grab your best cuppa and your biggest smile, darlings, because we're about to embark on a pink and glittery journey!
1922: A Roaring Time for Drag!
Imagine, my darlings, a world without TikTok, without Instagram, even without television. What was a drag queen to do to share her fabulousness, her artistry, her larger-than-life persona? Well, darling, they did what they did best – they took to the stage!
Yes, in 1922, drag performances were a booming industry! The cabaret scene in London was alive with female impersonators, and theatres in New York City were abuzz with "female impersonators" dazzling audiences with their talent and charisma. Imagine the glamour! The costumes! The sass! It makes me twirl just thinking about it!
Now, some might say that back then, the world was less accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, but I beg to differ, darlings. It was a different era, sure, but it was also a time of incredible creativity, expression, and, dare I say, freedom. In the 1920s, artists pushed the boundaries of gender and performance, and drag queens played a leading role in this evolution.
Let's Talk About Vaudeville
If you've ever wondered about the birthplace of the modern drag queen, darling, look no further than the grand, flamboyant world of Vaudeville. This, my lovelies, was the stage where true stars were born. Picture a vibrant, energetic scene filled with singers, dancers, comedians, and yes, female impersonators.
These drag performers were talented and versatile – they could sing, dance, crack a joke, and steal your heart all in one show. They weren't afraid to push boundaries, challenge norms, and make the audience gasp, chuckle, or cry tears of joy, darling.
I just adore picturing these early queens in their glittering gowns and towering feather headdresses, strutting their stuff, bringing the house down with every song, every dance, every well-timed witticism. They weren’t just performing, darlings, they were making a statement!
Parisian Inspiration:
Now, my dear readers, you can’t mention the 1920s and drag without speaking about the absolute icon that is Paris! A hotbed of creativity, and brimming with beautiful people! There was just an extra something about Paris that drew in creatives of all persuasions. And drag queens? Oh honey, they loved a bit of Paris!
This year, I visited Paris – for a lovely, girly, long weekend, of course. I spent my time twirling down the Champs-Élysées in my very sparkly pink tutu, window-shopping at all the fabulous stores (my darling readers, Paris is the place to go for that statement couture tutu – you simply must visit!), and taking in a show at the Folies Bergère, a real Paris icon that played a key role in the development of the modern drag scene.
Imagine, my darlings, a stage bursting with colour, feathers, rhinestones, and some of the most sensational acts you’ve ever witnessed. It was here in this Parisian treasure trove that we see drag begin to solidify into a true artistic expression – an important social comment, a delightful artistic movement, and an absolute riot of glorious fun!
Where do I find a Drag Show, then?
Okay, darlings, imagine yourself in London, May 1922. You're looking for a fab show, somewhere to have a laugh and soak up some glitz and glam. Where do you go?
Well, your best bet would be heading down to The Windmill Theatre in Soho, darling! Oh, you have simply got to check out this London institution – this is a historical drag institution, and still stands as one of the most iconic drag stages in London to this day.
And darling, there’s also The Hippodrome Theatre, oh yes, you will adore the decadent extravagance! Now, the Hippodrome Theatre was famous for its breathtaking ballet and musical shows. So, it was truly the perfect setting for our drag queens to flaunt their skills. And imagine the fashion! My oh my, think glittering gowns, sparkling jewels, and shimmering feathers. If it sounds glamorous, darling, it is.
These venues, darling, they are the birthplace of the true London drag scene, and they give us so much inspiration. I will absolutely be having a pink tutu-wearing photoshoot at each venue next time I'm in London, honey!
Now, let's Talk about Fashion
Ah, darling, we are speaking about the roaring twenties! And this is my kind of time travel, my dear readers. You see, the 1920s were all about breaking the mould, shedding expectations, and making a statement through fashion. This era brought us the flapper dress, the bobbed haircut, and, most importantly for me, a completely different attitude towards dress.
It's fascinating how drag queens of the time, with their use of elaborate gowns, extravagant accessories, and, of course, the sheer fabulousness of it all, played a key role in shifting the landscape of fashion in general, creating an entire style around the idea of the "new woman" and, most importantly, inspiring others to embrace their individuality through dress.
The idea that "fashion" itself was, dare I say, "drag," took centre stage during the 1920s! From bold colours, geometric shapes, the iconic feathered hat – I mean, oh, darling, it was simply magnificent! These are all styles that are making a comeback today – isn't it just glorious?!
Pink Tutus and The 1920s
Darling, now for the piece de resistance, you are not going to believe what I learned about this era, and believe me, I cannot wait to share!
It seems that there was a hidden secret to the success of our glorious drag queens – the power of the pink tutu! Yes, honey, imagine that. You'd think those flamboyant performers would be sporting something a little more extravagant.
But imagine my surprise, my darlings, when I stumbled upon a collection of photographs featuring performers on a Parisian stage. The main drag performer in the photos was wearing – you guessed it – a delicate pink tutu!
Oh, I was ecstatic! Finally, my darlings, my research, my passion for this fascinating era and for pink tutus – they converged at that very moment! It was simply breathtaking, and I was on cloud nine. My darling readers, we are meant to wear pink tutus. It's written in the very history of drag!
This find only solidified my belief that pink tutus are so much more than just a garment. They’re a symbol of hope, of creativity, of courage. And they empower anyone to wear them!
Don’t Forget!
My darling readers, as I journey through the wonders of the 1920s in my sparkly pink tutu, I find myself reflecting on the spirit of this era and the power of drag queens then, as it is now, to change the world. It's a story of courage, of artistic expression, and a bold statement against societal norms.
My darling readers, please, take this moment to consider the beautiful impact the pioneers of drag, and all their sparkling glory, have had on us all, on our world. The power of self-expression, the bold, the fabulous – it all makes our history!
As you've seen, my lovelies, the world of drag back then was bustling with performers, overflowing with personality, brimming with inspiration. My 1920s drag queens showed us that fashion can be used to make a statement, to push boundaries, and, of course, to bring an extra dash of fabulousness to every stage!
Remember, darling, drag history isn’t just about the big names or the glamorous stages. It's about the people – the performers, the designers, the audiences who all come together to make this dazzling art form what it is today.
Keep shining, darling. Embrace your inner pink tutu!
And until next month, when we dive deeper into the magical world of pink tutus and drag history, keep rocking, darling. Keep dazzling!
Love,
Emma xoxo
