Hello darlings! Emma here, your very own Derbyshire drag queen with a penchant for pink tutus and a wicked case of the travel bug. It's March 3rd, 1923 and I've just shimmied my way into this fabulous era with a pirouette and a sprinkle of fairy dust! (Thanks, tutu magic!). This month, my time travel adventure takes me back to the roaring twenties, an era of jazz, flapper dresses, and, let's not forget, some groundbreaking drag performances!
The Buzz in the Ballroom
It's a whole new world, dearies, full of glitter and glitz! From the moment I arrived, I could feel the excitement bubbling under the surface like a vat of champagne. Everyone seems to be caught up in a whirlwind of new ideas and new expressions. It's like a huge, fabulous party and everyone is invited. I've spent the past few days exploring this beautiful time and soaking up all the incredible fashion, from the bob haircuts to those beaded flapper dresses, swoon! It's practically screaming, "Get your shine on, honey!"
I even saw my first drag show! Okay, darling, it was a little different to what we see today but the glamour and audacity were still there in spades. I watched a show at a smoky underground club and let me tell you, those girls could really move! And I'm not just talking about their dancing. Imagine, a stage lit with just a few dim lights and a smoky atmosphere… dramatic, huh? There was even this drag queen with a mischievous twinkle in her eye - I just knew I needed to find out more. It turns out she was a woman named Rosalie, a performer from New York, and everyone was saying how amazing she was!
Now, we wouldn't call it drag as we know it, dearies. It was more of a "dressing up" performance where women would wear men's clothes. They were performers and singers but they pushed the boundaries and everyone was just wild for their style!
Rosalie's performance was absolutely shocking (and in a good way, of course!) but it sparked such an electrifying atmosphere - people laughing, cheering, and soaking up the entire vibe.
History's Hidden Treasures
While drag performances like Rosalie’s were making their mark, there were a few other important figures changing the world of performance at the time.
Let me introduce you to another legend from 1923 – Josephine Baker, an absolute queen of the stage! This multi-talented woman danced her way into hearts around the world with her fierce independence and daring choreography, a truly phenomenal performer and role model. The roaring twenties really did witness a tidal wave of talent and creativity, didn’t it?
The beauty of my time travel, my darlings, is being able to experience the world of drag before it was called "drag!" I can only imagine how incredible it must have been to see these pioneers making a name for themselves on the stage! It takes a whole lotta guts and grace, honey, which these performers certainly had.
Shopping Spree in 1923
Now, I don’t want to leave you hanging without some fantastic fashion tips, darlings! The roaring twenties were bursting with vibrant colours and dramatic silhouettes - all the elements to create truly fabulous outfits! We're talking dazzling beaded dresses, headbands with plumes, feathered boas, and oh-so-stylish drop waist styles, creating a perfect blend of daring and elegant!
The fashion trend was all about making a bold statement and stepping out of your comfort zone, honey. You really felt the era's free-spirited energy.
A Moment of Reflection
While 1923 might have been a thrilling era for the rise of a more "progressive" way of expressing ourselves through dress, my trip down memory lane reminded me of one thing - there’s still so much more to discover. My time travel adventures are more than just trips to the past. It’s a quest to learn, to understand, and to celebrate every milestone in the evolution of drag. We can all learn so much from the pioneers, like Josephine Baker and Rosalie, who dared to be different and dared to push those boundaries. They’ve paved the way for the amazing talent and art that we see today.
Back to the Future
So there you have it, darling! Another amazing chapter in the story of drag. I'll be posting a brand new blog next month, but in the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for more pink tutus around the world! And remember, every single one of you has the potential to bring joy and shine into this world, so never be afraid to express your own unique flair and embrace those wild dreams! Until next time, lovelies.
XOXO, Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com *
