Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-twirling, drag history buff Emma here, and oh honey, have I got a tale to tell you!
February, the month of love (and copious amounts of pink!), and we’re hurtling back to 1926 to witness the dazzling drama that unfolded on the 2nd.
Hold onto your sequined fascinators, babes, because this month's time-travelling adventure took me to the heart of the roaring twenties, an era overflowing with flamboyant fashion and scandalous sass.
Twirling Through the Decades
You all know about my magical time-travelling tutu – a shimmering, pink masterpiece that whisks me away to fabulous pasts, where I can soak up the history of drag in its truest form. Now, this time-travelling thing isn’t easy! Just imagine, constantly switching wardrobes! (Though frankly, who could ever resist an excuse for a new vintage creation? And trust me, a good vintage outfit NEVER goes out of style!).
My latest time-hop transported me straight to the epicentre of New York's vibrant drag scene – The Hippodrome Theatre. This wasn’t just any theatre, darlings! Think opulent stage productions, electrifying performers, and a touch of bawdy brilliance.
A Touch of Broadway
I squeezed into a stunning flapper gown, all beaded fringe and swirling silk – perfect for dancing the Charleston under the glittering disco ball that lit up this theatrical playground. Now, I may love a modern dance, but let’s face it – the Charleston had a razzle-dazzle that even the fiercest runway queen can't deny!
The highlight? “The Greenwich Village Follies.” It was a flamboyant spectacle bursting with everything the twenties had to offer – song, dance, humour, and yes, drag. You see, this particular show featured a cast that blurred gender lines, captivating audiences with their talent and a dash of naughtiness that had them whispering through their feather boas.
It's The Drag Queen History You Didn't Know You Needed
While “The Follies” may not be instantly recognizable as drag in our modern parlance, it embodied the spirit of our community! We were (and always will be) about defying expectations, challenging norms, and creating art out of our passion for the theatrical and, yes, the dramatic!
These brave performers, often in secret or using their art to challenge gender roles in a subtle way, helped to pave the way for the spectacular drag scenes that exist today. It wasn't just a show, it was a movement - a roar against conformity that whispered into the future, resonating through decades and leaving its mark on our history.
The World of Drag On February 2nd, 1926
On the other side of the world, in London’s bustling West End, the music halls hummed with life, and a dazzling variety of shows kept London's stage enthusiasts thoroughly entertained. Drag wasn't quite as commonplace as in New York, but you would find traces of its subversive glamour woven throughout theatrical performance.
The “Empire Theatre” was known for its mix of entertainment - a mishmash of music, dance, and perhaps, some sneaky moments of gender-bending performance art! In this bustling hive of creativity, drag queens often found ways to weave their art into the theatrical tapestry.
Time for Tea and a Little Tutu Chat!
While I am not one to toot my own horn (because a true queen never brags!), I have been busy on my mission of pink tutu advocacy, which you can read more about in previous blogs. And speaking of my pink tutus, I can't help but share my own outfit inspiration from my travels to the twenties! Think luxurious fabrics, soft lace, and dazzling beaded accents – just perfect for making a statement on the dance floor!
So, if you’re ready to embrace the magic of drag history, remember this – our ancestors fought hard to express themselves, to defy expectations and redefine beauty. Let's honor their legacy by living loudly and authentically. It's what they would have wanted!
Now, as always, my darlings, remember to share your favourite time-travel memories, and remember, there’s a pink tutu waiting for you - waiting to unleash your inner star!
Until next month,
Your favourite pink-loving time traveller, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
