Hiya darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time travelling ballerina, and welcome back to another dazzling escapade in drag history! Today we're shimmying back to 6th June, 1926 - a year that's positively bursting with queer history, and boy, have I got a story for you!
This month, I've been flitting between drag shows and shopping sprees in London and New York - just imagine the tulle I've snagged! It's truly a glamorous life, but even amidst all the glitz and glitter, there's nothing I adore more than uncovering the forgotten gems of our drag heritage.
And 1926? It's overflowing with those gems! Did you know this year saw the opening of The Club Yale in New York? Oh, the stories those walls could tell! I just know it was an absolutely riot of sequins, feathers and daring performances, and believe me, my dear readers, I'll be popping by for a quick peep in the coming months!
Speaking of performances, June 1926 saw the release of a play called "The Devil's Holiday" in the West End. This isn't just any old play, darling. This is one that featured a drag performance so outrageous that it actually faced some serious backlash! Apparently, there was a huge public outcry against the supposed "indecency" of it all! It just goes to show, the struggle for expression is an ancient one, and even back then, drag queens were pushing boundaries and making a statement.
But hold your horses, darling, the drama doesn't stop there! Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a letter published in The New York Times from a woman writing in as "The Widow Bedloe." She was so, so distraught because someone stole a "feather boa and some red feathers!" I just imagine the delicious drama - feathers fluttering away in a whirlwind of gossip and speculation! Oh, it must have been a scandal in the making!
The energy in the air was simply electric - you could just feel the whispers, the anticipation, the excitement. But don't think this was a period for hiding in the shadows, darlings! 1926 saw a flurry of daring and revolutionary drag artists on the scene. Let me tell you, there were balls, cabarets, and dance halls brimming with talent. In fact, a new variety theatre, the Hippodrome opened in London this very month, and it became an instant hot spot for drag performers. Imagine the spectacle, the dazzling outfits, the roar of the crowd! It's giving "Strictly Come Dancing" meets "RuPaul's Drag Race," but with a healthy dose of early 20th-century panache!
Now, let's talk about the outfits! I can't go back in time without picking up a little somethin' somethin' for myself, can I? While the world of haute couture may not be what it is today, you bet your bottom dollar that I've got my eye on a stunning feathered number - a bit more on the risqué side, if you know what I mean, just a smidge less fabric than the ones I wear nowadays, but I just adore a little vintage scandal! And for the grand finale, my readers, I simply had to snag myself a flapper-style dress, all fringes and glittering sequins, fit for a dancing queen in a roaring twenties club!
Of course, I always ensure I pick up a selection of hats and shoes for the occasion - those towering platform shoes are my weakness! And let's not forget the jewels! It's a glamorous life, and even back in 1926, everyone wanted to shine brighter than the rest, darlings. Just think - a simple pink tutu might just be the perfect addition to the next Drag Ball! You could just imagine all the head-turning glances!
One thing that strikes me most about 1926 is the feeling of immense energy - of a society in constant flux, where art, fashion, and expression were truly taking centre stage. You could practically taste the rebellious spirit, and feel the thrill of a new era breaking free.
That's all for today, darlings! Time for this queen to flit off into another adventure, another era, another moment in drag history! I leave you with a final piece of wisdom - don't just follow the trends, darlings, create them! Make your own pink tutu, embrace the magic of drag, and never be afraid to let your true self shine. See you next month for another enchanting escapade, and in the meantime, don't forget to follow me on @pinktutuadventures and check out www.pink-tutu.com for all your time-traveling needs.
XOXO, Emma 💖✨🩰
