Hiya darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-clad time traveller! October, with its crisp air and falling leaves, feels so utterly romantic, doesn’t it? It's just the sort of weather that makes you want to twirl, isn't it?
This month, my time-travelling pink tutu whisked me right back to October the 10th, 1924. And what a delightful jaunt it was! I landed, as I do, in the heart of New York City, right on Broadway, with the electric lights flickering in the crisp evening air. Just thinking about those golden lights, shining on the marquees and the glistening brickwork, gets me all giddy! It’s always a thrill to visit this vibrant hub, and this trip was no different.
Of course, a gal like me can't possibly visit the Big Apple without venturing into a theatre. My oh my! The theatre was just positively electric with excitement! I’d been dying to check out Earl Carroll's Theatre, the legendary cabaret, which was just the right mix of elegance and outrageousness, darling! It’s always a real treat to take in a show from this period, they’ve got that mix of dazzling costuming and witty, fast-paced sketches - oh my, darling, it’s pure theatrical delight! They are truly a cut above, wouldn't you agree?
Now, imagine, you are entering a beautiful, plush red velvet and gilt theatre. Imagine shimmering lights reflecting in huge, luxurious, hand-painted mirrors. And all this just to take in the stunning acts – all in such gorgeous outfits! They even have real life elephants, for goodness sake! Can you imagine having a real life elephant onstage in the theatre with you? I mean, elephants were even more extravagant back in the day!
Talking of costumes, I saw such a glorious frock! My! A beautiful beaded dress with ostrich feather boas! So glam! This time period is always good for an outfit fix! You’ll find everything from shimmering sequins and fringe, to beaded, feathered show stoppers, even beautiful draped chiffons! They were just oozing femininity and style - a drag queen's dream come true! It’s almost as fabulous as the outfit I found myself wearing on this adventure – this magnificent shimmering pink tutu, all embellished with crystal drops, oh the sparkle! Darling, it truly feels like wearing a royal cloak.
It was so exciting to see what the theatrical landscape looked like back in 1924. There was such a fantastic scene! Oh, darling, even if we weren’t quite in the era of the modern drag ball or club nights, we did have some fantastic shows – a truly great collection of entertainment in the leading cabaret theatres on Broadway. What an era to experience!
Back then, everything felt like a spectacular stage performance. Imagine having Jimmy Durante as the compere – such a wonderfully funny character with just that right amount of theatrical camp – perfect for leading your audience to a fantastic show! Oh, how I adore the old-fashioned show tunes with those rich vocals - what an elegant treat! Of course, my favourite part was that wonderful energy from the audience, absolutely buzzing with delight – a true thrill for any performer. They’d whoop, shout, and whistle! It was like stepping back into the grand age of vaudeville! And you just couldn't get away from all the exciting drag artists from the time! What wonderful entertainers we had back in the day – all strutting their stuff on stage with fabulous make-up and showmanship that left everyone begging for more.
Now, a true Drag Queen always needs a good dose of shopping therapy and let me tell you, this trip was full of it. New York was an absolute feast for the eyes - overflowing with boutiques, exquisite clothes, and just about everything you could possibly need for a good time. From beaded dresses and chic coats, to luxurious handbags and shoes that practically sang with sophistication, there was something for everyone. A girlie just can't resist a gorgeous hat! Darling, if I'd been on a shopping spree with unlimited credit, I might have ended up wearing more outfits than a drag queen needs! But darling, with a time travelling pink tutu, even my biggest fashion dreams can come true!
One thing's for sure, darling - a Drag Queen is always welcome in New York. The energy in the air felt full of life. New York is a fabulous place full of life, so vibrant! A queen’s haven, full of creativity, joy, and fabulous energy, as you can imagine, even without those huge Drag balls we've come to know! And speaking of queens, did I tell you about this fantastic girl called Molly ? Oh my, her outfits were stunning - beaded and fringed like you’ve never seen! The look was the ultimate theatrical fabulousness, darling, perfect for a Drag Queen, don't you agree? Her stage presence, with its mixture of sass, confidence and style - she was a true head-turner! Now I know why it’s the city that never sleeps, just like us, darlings!
Now, the energy is swirling through me, but this little pink tutu of mine is calling to me. It seems that even magical pink tutus have their limits - there are always new discoveries and drag adventures to be found!
Stay fabulous, Emma
Visit my website to view more fabulous pink tutu moments at www.pink-tutu.com.
