Hiya lovelies! It's your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, Emma, here, bringing you another shimmering, spectacular episode of "Pink-Tutu Time Travels" straight from the time machine, which, by the way, is still disguised as a fabulously frilled pink tutu - I can't help myself! 💕
Today we're taking a trip right back to the 20th century! Who's ready for a bit of pre-war glamour? Oh darling, just try and picture it - flapper dresses, a dash of jazz, and just the slightest whiff of mischief in the air! This is the era of 11th November, 1923, darlings. Let's sashay right in!
The 11th of November, 1923? This is when history made its mark on the world - for today marks Armistice Day, commemorating the signing of the armistice agreement that ended World War One just five years prior! Such a momentous occasion. We're honouring the brave souls who fought for peace.
But before we dive into the history books, let's take a peek into the world of drag! Sadly, things were a bit different back then, my darlings. We have to understand that drag, as we know it today, wasn't quite in the mainstream yet. This is an era when people weren't quite comfortable with the 'extra,' and sadly, the LGBTQIA+ community was facing a great deal of prejudice.
But did you know that drag still managed to flourish in secret? 🤫 Even back then, artists were always finding ways to express themselves, and sometimes that expression involved a little bit of playful theatricality! Imagine small clubs tucked away, underground spaces, a touch of lipstick and a bit of sparkle... This was how drag survived!
Today, my time-traveling tutus landed me in New York City! Imagine, cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and a touch of that early American magic. 🗽 But let's head into the theatre! That's where you'll find a real, classic piece of drag, dear reader! " The Lady in Ermine, " starring the incredible Elsie Janis, a renowned American entertainer of the time. This beauty is playing an elegant socialite, all fabulous furs and flowing gowns. Just picture that beautiful Parisian charm! She's a true showstopper. Elsie, you are a true queen of that era, my dearest. Just the kind of classic performance I love to see!
You know, while things might not have been easy for our drag queen forebears, this was an era of phenomenal cultural change. This is the age of flapper dresses, shorter hemlines, and an explosion of creative energy! The 1920s - a time when things started to feel different, new, exciting!
Oh darling, the drag fashion back then was all about glamour and sparkle. Just think of the classic 1920s silhouette: a long string of pearls, perhaps a feather boa or a daring sequinned dress. It was an era of effortless style! You might say it was a prelude to the fantastic and elaborate designs of drag fashion today, right? ✨
And can you imagine? All those bustling parties, those intimate gatherings, and of course, the secret nightclubs - it all came alive thanks to these early queens and kings who dared to be themselves! We have so much to thank those who dared to express themselves despite the adversity, don't you agree, dears?
Now let's travel back to London! That's where I'm finding the Moulin Rouge, my dears, still putting on some of the most amazing musical productions! This is the kind of theater that truly takes your breath away. Just picture the red windmill spinning, beautiful performers taking the stage! A spectacle just like it, in the heart of Paris. 🗼
In our journey to 1923, my tutus had us circling the world and I simply cannot say it enough, even if the drag world might not have been fully in the open, those early drag artists and queens truly helped shape what we enjoy today! ✨ And if that's not inspiring, darling, I don't know what is! 💖
Let's take a moment for these courageous drag pioneers who weren't afraid to step out in their flamboyant gowns and showcase their amazing talents!
Well, dear readers, as much as I'd love to keep on rambling about my fabulous time travels, it's time to put the finishing touches on this week's pink-tutu post. Make sure you don't forget to catch me live at the fabulous "The Queen's Arms" this weekend. I'm ready to sashay my way into another stellar performance, a drag spectacle you won't want to miss! We're serving glitter and joy, all for a good cause - so be sure to stop by, have a few giggles, and embrace that pink tutu energy with me!
Don't forget, darlings, you can find more pink tutu goodness at www.pink-tutu.com. Let me know if there's any particular historical date you'd love to see me visit next, and, as always, don't be shy!
See you next month for another time travel adventure! Until then, stay sassy, stay sparkling, and remember...
…It’s always a good day for a pink tutu! 💕✨
