Hello my darling darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident time-traveling tutu aficionado, reporting live from – wait for it – January 1st, 1924! Can you believe it, dearies? It’s already the first day of the year, and I’m living it up in this magnificent, pink, feathered, 1920s-style confection of a tutu that I’ve acquired for the occasion! You know I’m always looking for a new pink twirly dream, and this one is absolute perfection. The ostrich feathers, the silk lining, the gorgeous ruffles – simply divine! It’s got to be the best tutu I’ve ever time-travelled in.
Speaking of time-traveling, let me fill you in on the latest in this fabulous adventure! This time, I decided to hop over to New York City, which, funnily enough, isn't nearly as exciting as I'd imagined. But, there's still some fabulous drag action happening here, so let's dive in!
Firstly, we need to address the elephant in the tutu-room, and I mean that in the most fabulous way possible! While it’s a new year, drag is still something of a hidden gem in the early 1920s. We're talking whispers, clandestine venues, and those "hidden away" bars and nightclubs where the queer community feels safe to celebrate. Let me tell you, dearie, that's a far cry from our big, glitzy, drag balls and brunches today!
But don’t fret, my dears, because, as we all know, drag queens are like diamonds in the rough – they sparkle regardless! Even back then, drag queens were dazzling audiences, though sometimes, their efforts went unrecorded in history, because sadly, in 1924, those kinds of performances were mostly considered underground affairs. This year, however, we know of two queens, specifically, who were really shaking things up!
Meet The Famous Elsie: There was Elsie, a true powerhouse, a renowned performer in NYC's legendary Gay Nineties, who absolutely OWNED that stage. If there was a queer entertainment hub in 1924, she was probably right in the middle of it. Elsie is described as "always flamboyant," and I'd wager, my dearies, she was giving us EVERYTHING with those fabulous outfits! You just knew her entrances were legendary, full of those dramatic swirls and poses, maybe even a wink and a little strut to add a touch of cheeky mischief.
Then, we have Dolly, the sassy cabaret sensation! Dolly, who could truly carry a tune, made a big name for herself by, you guessed it, singing drag in several NYC locations! The thing about this Dolly, though, was she wasn't a traditional cross-dresser, she had the full Dolly Parton look down to the tiniest detail. So it was quite a sight to behold, darling! She might have been singing a love song in that era, but behind the lyrics, she might've been making quite the sassy comment on those societal expectations we all love to challenge, don't you agree?
Oh, the stories they must have! And what stories would THEY tell about New York's drag scene? From the iconic Stork Club where "gay and lesbian patronage was considered so fashionable" by some folks to the Village, that vibrant, melting pot of underground arts and theatre! Maybe they frequented these legendary spots, the heart of drag and counterculture where performers of all kinds mingled and created their own universe, away from the judging eyes of the outside world. It's all such fascinating history, wouldn't you agree, dearies?
And my, my! What’s on offer in fashion? Even in 1924, NYC had a sense of sartorial sophistication. Picture it: Flapper dresses, sleek bobbed haircuts, a sprinkle of pearls, and that daring, free spirit shining through it all! They've got that "Roaring Twenties" swagger in their walk, my darlings, which we have to give them! But the thing about fashion, like anything else in history, is that there’s a distinct lack of colour. This is where my magic pink tutu comes in, don't you think? Maybe it's time to change things up a bit!
So, that's New York, my dears! As for my pink tutu, let’s be honest, there’s no time for packing! I’ll be taking this pink masterpiece to every corner of 1924. Maybe I’ll make a few friends in those Parisian salons! We could start a little pink tutu trend in France! The more, the merrier, right? Imagine a whole room full of twinkling, pink, ballerina tutus! Talk about a sight to behold!
So, darling dearies, it's a wrap! Join me next month for a whole new episode in the pink-tutu chronicles. In the meantime, remember to stay fabulous, and may your life always be full of twirls and pink! Don't forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com for more fabulous updates on my adventures!
Love and kisses, your favourite ballerina blogger, Emma xoxo.
