Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you back to April 4th, 1923, for a delightful dive into the dazzling world of drag. You know, my time travelling skills aren't always as precise as a perfectly-executed pirouette, so we're going to jump into this one right from the beginning, just a sprinkle of pink fairy dust away from 1923, as it were!
Now, imagine this: Youâre in Derbyshire, which as you all know is the heartland of fabulosity (no shade to any other lovely locations!). Imagine, my dears, you're stepping out of your charming cottage, all comfy jumpers and sturdy boots. A chilly nip in the air and the faint aroma of Yorkshire Pudding in the air! And then, on a cobbled corner, nestled amidst the cosy shops, you'd be treated to a truly peculiar sight: a flamboyant, glittery street show, full of flamboyant music and dancing. Oh darling! And not just any old dancing either; this would be something akin to a burlesque, vaudeville show. Think flamboyant outfits, catchy tunes, and more sequins than you could possibly shake a feather boa at. You see, even back in 1923, people loved a bit of drama and glamour. That's drag history for you, darlings!
It wasn't always the bright lights and bold looks we're used to today. The performers of that era, even when taking to the stage, were often veiled in anonymity. Back then, in many places, openly dressing in a manner that deviated from gender norms, especially on stage, wasnât really embraced in the way it is now. There were whispers, raised eyebrows, but a quiet understanding amongst the locals that these shows, these acts, these colourful performers, were there to entertain, to create magic, and sometimes, a good giggle!
And I tell you, a good giggle is just what the world needed in 1923! After all, you wouldn't believe the things people were talking about on April 4th, 1923, darling! It wasn't the dazzling world of online drag reviews we have now! They were chattering about things like 'Womenâs suffrage'! And shhh! whispered discussions about a rather daring flapper named Josephine Baker - that femme fatale was breaking barriers on stages around the world with her amazing dancing! It was truly an electric time for change, much like we're experiencing now in our wonderful world of drag.
Here's what I found to be exciting about 1923:
- The rise of vaudeville: Vaudeville, or 'Variety', became the source of entertainment across the world, including, quelle surprise, drag! Think dancing, singing, comedy sketches - and of course, drag queens doing their thing for the amusement of their audience. These theatrical venues became hotbeds for those seeking to defy norms and create flamboyance with a capital "F"!!
The emergence of âdrag queensâ and âfemale impersonatorsâ: As drag became more widely accepted as entertainment, a distinction started emerging: Female impersonators usually performed more âpolishedâ styles in glamorous outfits, whereas 'drag queens' could incorporate more elements of humour, slapstick, and storytelling!
AndâŚa secret ingredient: Imagine, this whole fabulous spectacle, all happening in the midst of roaring twenties America! I could see why it was an exciting time to be alive! It must've been the ultimate secret ingredient to fuel these acts, a thrilling backdrop to create some of the wildest, most electrifying and liberating drag weâve ever known.
You might be surprised, my dears, to discover that even back in 1923, we - drag queens - were the trailblazers, the visionaries. We paved the way for generations to follow, showcasing self-expression, bravery and creativity. I love it! And to think it all happened because someone, somewhere, donned their glitziest outfit and danced to the beat of their own heart. That's drag magic, ladies and gents!
This journey to the past reminded me: We must never stop being courageous enough to dance to our own drummers. Thatâs why I wear pink tutus. To show the world, even back in the 20s, there is power in expression. Power in dance. Power in being different! After all, where would we be without the pioneers of our artform, the brave souls who defied convention and sparkled with every single step?!
Now, darlings, with the echoes of vintage music still dancing in my mind, I need to sashay away and prepare for my upcoming performance in this very era. My tutu will be taking on the elegance of a flapper, with a slight nod to modern drag queen sensibilities â a pink feather boa, a pair of feather-trimmed pumps, and plenty of rhinestones. It's the best way, I believe, to celebrate both our roots and our modern flair!
Let me know: What's your favourite part of drag history?
Catch you next month! Remember to keep shining, darling, because the world needs more pink tutus!
Lots of love,
Emma (Your Pink Tutu-Clad Time Traveller)
www.pink-tutu.com
