Hiya darlings! Welcome back to another scintillating adventure on the Pink Tutu Time Travels blog! It's your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma, back with another serving of campy, glamorous, and utterly fabulous drag queen history!
This month, my time-traveling pink tutu has whisked me back to September 9th, 1923. Now, 1923! What a time! Think flapper dresses, jazz music, and those oh-so-chic bob hairstyles! I mean, who wouldn't want to rock that fabulous look, right? 💅
This particular September 9th saw something rather fascinating unfolding in the world of drag, so get ready, darlings, because you're in for a treat!
Now, let's be honest, back in the roaring twenties, "drag" as we know it was more of a whisper, a hidden jewel tucked away in secret spaces. The term "drag queen" was still a twinkle in someone's eye. But that didn't stop our fabulous foremothers from finding ways to express themselves and showcase their dazzling talents!
The Paris Stage and Beyond
So, where did my fabulous pink tutu land me this month? Paris, the City of Lights! A glorious city known for its artistry and its embrace of all things avant-garde.
Imagine this, a grand Parisian theater - shimmering chandeliers, velvet seats, and anticipation buzzing in the air. On that September 9th, the legendary "Les Folies Bergère" was dazzling audiences with their iconic blend of burlesque, music, and flamboyant fashion. Talk about a heady mix, right?
Now, we might not see a gaggle of drag queens lip-syncing to a disco hit, but within the ranks of these "Folies" performers were some absolute divas pushing the boundaries of gender expression and challenging societal norms. They might not have called it "drag," but their dazzling outfits, mesmerizing routines, and captivating stage presence - they were living out their truth on those Parisian stages. It was a glimpse into the future of drag, if you will, paving the way for generations of performers to come! ✨
From Paris to The New World
From Paris, the spirit of those "Folies Bergère" performers found its way to America. This September 9th also saw vaudeville shows across the U.S. gaining in popularity. These shows weren't solely focused on drag but, similar to the Parisian productions, included performances that played with gender boundaries. Imagine a flamboyant song-and-dance number, where a man donned women's clothing and put on a mesmerizing performance - this was all part of vaudeville's unique appeal.
However, in these shows, those cross-dressing acts were more often comedic and entertaining, leaning on caricature, as opposed to exploring the art of gender bending that the "Folies" had dared to embrace. But even within this context, these early forms of "drag" helped to sow the seeds of a future where gender expression could find a space on stage.
*It's All About The Pink! *
You know me, my dears. Pink is my life! Well, my fabulous research suggests that even in 1923, pink was already claiming its place in the world of fashion!
In this September of 1923, Paris witnessed a whirlwind of vibrant and eye-catching colours. Designers were experimenting with daring patterns, embracing flapper fashion's love for bold hues. Pink wasn't afraid to stand out among the bold blacks and reds - it was bold, it was daring, it was oh-so-feminine! Who needs a pink tutu for that, right? 💖
The Power of Expression
Whether it was in the glittering costumes of the "Folies Bergère," or the comedic moments of vaudeville, September 9th, 1923 reminds us that even before the rise of drag as we know it today, there were those who embraced the art of performance to express their identities, explore gender, and challenge societal norms.
It's all about finding a way to express yourself, pushing the boundaries, and rocking it with confidence! So whether you're stepping out on a Broadway stage, hitting the town in a sparkly number, or rocking your best pink tutu (because let's be honest, we all need one, right?), you're taking part in a legacy of bold self-expression, a legacy that started right here in 1923.
Until next month, darling, keep on being fab! Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to read my other time-traveling adventures. Don't be shy - I'd love to hear your own stories and what you're doing to express your fabulousness! ✨
Love always, Emma 💖
