*"Ooh, darling! It’s December 12th, 1923! The air is positively buzzing with excitement. You wouldn't believe what a fabulous day for a spot of time travel it is. My magical pink tutu has whisked me all the way back to the Roaring Twenties!" *
(*Ahem! *As if anyone needs reminding, my lovely blog readers, that *my aim in life is to get every single one of you into a pink tutu. A life without pink tulle, is like a cocktail party without champagne - frankly, a travesty! *)
Anyway, back to my time travelling escapade. The streets of 1923 are teeming with flappers and gents in dapper suits, all swinging to the beat of jazz. The glamour is absolutely intoxicating! Oh darling, the costumes are simply divine. We’re talking fabulous feather boas, sparkly sequins and silk dresses that practically whisper "party!" The world is on the edge of a dazzling revolution in fashion, and it is SO much fun to be a part of it! It’s like a neverending drag show! And talking about drag, can you imagine this amazing scene without some fabulous drag performers to light up the night? I don't think so!
The whole world's caught in a fabulous whirl! I simply have to share the most fabulous thing I discovered during my jaunt back in time. Have you ever heard of the "Village Inn" in New York City? It's not just a restaurant darling, oh no! This is New York's hidden gem, the heart of the queer scene and the perfect stage for all things camp.
(I'm so happy that a lot of you have written in telling me you've started experimenting with some fun drag looks at home! Do send in photos darling, because your Queen Emma **loves seeing how you all interpret the pink tutu philosophy! Think 20s flair, think glitz, think glam!)
Anyway, the "Village Inn" is known to be the go-to spot for those wanting to see drag, and I was so thrilled to get a glimpse of some incredible drag performances right here!
(Let me tell you, even a pink-tutu wearing time traveller from the future feels like a giddy school girl in this hot spot. The excitement, the laughter, the flamboyant artistry... It's all just *fabulous). *
The drag artists of this time have embraced the playful spirit of the Roaring Twenties and infused their performances with this exciting, rebellious, fun attitude! Imagine, drag queens like *Lady-M" and "Gladys Bentley" were turning heads with their charisma and show-stopping routines! They'd shimmy, they'd shake, and they'd strut in dazzling costumes, leaving audiences wanting more! And who can blame them?
(Oh! And speaking of dazzling costumes! Let's be real for a minute... the fashions on display during this era have so much tutu inspiration. Those feathers, those layers of silk, and that flair! It's like everything was born to be worn with a fabulous pink tutu, darling!).
What a wild and exciting time for drag. Just when you think the world can't be more sparkly, there it is, overflowing with talent and glamour. I had a fantastic time witnessing some amazing shows - "Oh! what a feeling!" as Gloria would say... oh darling, can we talk about that legendary number "Chicago?" So good!
While it was a bit before her time (as she came to prominence in the 30s), a girl can always dream! Just think of that big Broadway number that could've been, darling, with "Pink Tutu Emma" shimmying and singing right in the heart of the 20s. I bet the crowd would go wild. Maybe that could be the subject for my next blog post! Hmmm!
And what is going on with drag in the world right now, you might be asking? It seems that there was drag being performed in places you might not expect -Germany, Belgium, Italy even* Finland ! These early performers were pioneering drag on an international scale! I was also amazed to find some drag stars making appearances at various theatres, like the Hippodrome and the Folies Bergère. It was a time when drag wasn't limited to one specific place - the world was truly embracing the joy of drag! Oh, and *another amazing discovery that I had to share! This truly revolutionary concept that's just starting to emerge across the globe - it's called “drag balls.” Darling! These are drag-themed balls! It’s like an extravaganza, with costumes, dancing, and fabulous prizes - just wait till the rest of the world gets a taste of what we know and love. The concept of drag balls will spread like wildfire across the world once people see how magical and truly empowering they are! (I have to tell you about a ball I’m planning…more details coming next time, darling! ).
Anyway, enough of my prattling on! Remember to get into that fabulous pink tutu, because darling, you are fabulous too! And stay tuned to pink-tutu.com! There will be a brand new blog post coming up next month, and I'll have so much to tell you. I've already planned some wonderful time travel adventures... I've got so many incredible tales from my journey back through time and a whole world of pink tutus just waiting for me to share! Until then, stay fab!
Love you always, Emma xxx
Oh darling! Just to finish up with my final note: Did you know? In 1923, the average cost of a new home in the USA was $5,200. And if you were hungry, you could snag a juicy, big burger for just 20 cents! So while you're out on the town living your fabulous life in a fabulous pink tutu, treat yourself to some fabulous snacks and feel that 1920s flair!
