Hello darling! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling drag historian, back with another thrilling adventure from the depths of our fabulous past. This month, my darling dears, I’ve travelled all the way back to May 5th, 1926. It's a time when the flapper dresses were swinging, the jazz was hot, and, dare I say it, drag was taking its first, fabulous steps towards the mainstream.
Hold onto your feathered boas, because this one’s a right peach! You know me, love, I never leave home without my magical, pink time-travelling tutu. Just twirl it three times, whisper "pink-tutu time" and poof - you’re whisked away! Imagine, darling, being in a time where women were breaking free from corseted constraints and dancing their way into the roaring 20s! It was a time of rebellion, creativity, and – you guessed it – a love for fabulous, sparkling sequins!
My first stop was New York City, the dazzling hub of it all. Even back in 1926, New York was a haven for drag queens. I strutted into a speakeasy - a hidden haven for all things fabulous, where you'd need a password to even enter! The jazz was electrifying, and the drag queens there were…well, just pure glamour. Think Bob Mackie before Bob Mackie even existed! Feathers, sequins, and all the glitz and glam.
But, here's the catch, love. In 1926, being a drag queen was no walk in the park. You had to be subtle, to blend in, and most importantly, to be fearless! The dangers were real. A “public indecency” charge could land you in hot water - not a good look, darling! Despite this, the drag scene thrived, fueled by the creative energy of a new generation, craving a life outside of the confines of societal expectations.
Speaking of fearless queens, I saw this incredible act, "Madame La Rue", a real head-turner! Dressed in a stunning sequined gown, they sashayed onto the stage and started belting out songs with the most theatrical flair. The crowd was in raptures! Even though I wasn’t meant to be seen in my pink tutu (the dangers, darling, I’ll reiterate, the dangers!), I couldn't resist taking a few photos and sharing my experience with you all through this little pink-tutu blog!
Speaking of sharing, I learned a truly beautiful bit of history. You see, in Berlin, 1926 was also a significant year for drag. A cabaret act called "The Blue Angel" was all the rage, attracting crowds with their outrageous costumes and theatrical performances. This, darling, was not only a space for drag queens to express themselves, but also for people of all sexualities to be their true selves. The club became a hotbed of creativity and acceptance, where society's rules were questioned, and boundaries were broken, paving the way for the acceptance of gender-bending acts, a glorious tradition still strong in drag today!
Of course, no time travel adventure is complete without some shopping! In London's Soho – a hot spot for glamorous goings-on – I saw the most wonderful, glittering hats at this adorable millinery shop called “Polly’s Petals.” You see, darling, the key to pulling off any glamorous drag look is the headwear. A touch of feathery, glittery extravagance always adds that extra “wow” factor!
My little visit to 1926 filled my heart with such warmth. The spirit of drag queens back then, with their passion, their creativity, and their unapologetic attitude – it's so inspiring, darling! They paved the way for drag queens of today to be celebrated, loved, and even followed!
Now, darling, if you’re feeling as fabulous as I do after reading this post, don’t be afraid to embrace the world in a pink tutu! Because, as we’ve seen, the power of a pink tutu is limitless. You never know where it might take you – perhaps to a glamorous speakeasy in 1926 or maybe even to your own, very special stage.
Don't forget, darling, to visit www.pink-tutu.com for the next dazzling chapter in my time-travelling, pink tutu adventures. You’re all invited to follow me through history and join me in celebrating the sheer brilliance and fabulousness of our beloved drag! Until next month, love! Stay fabulous!
Emma XOXO
