Hello darlings!
Emma here, your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed, time-travelling queen, bringing you another scintillating journey through drag history! As always, I'm fuelled by the glitter and glamour of past performances and fuelled by my ambition - to get the world wearing pink tutus! Today's escapade takes us back to October 10th, 1926. Buckle up, babes, this one's a real corker!
It's amazing how times have changed since 1926. Well, not really, we've always had queens strutting their stuff, and the year 1926 is no exception! It's like, 'Hey sis, what's the dress code? All that jazz? We got it!' You bet your bottom dollar we had our fashionistas slaying in all that flapper fashion. We had everything from fringe to sequins. Just picture it! All that dancing, those high-kicks, the shimmy and shake â absolute dynamite, right?
But before I jump into all the theatrical treats of this year, I just have to say⌠how I got here is the most spectacular story! Itâs a whole vibe! I was strutting my stuff at a charity ball in Derbyshire, wearing this dreamy, shimmering pink tutu. You know, the one with the holographic sequins? My signature style, darling! We had just finished our big number, a show-stopping routine from âSwan Lake,â when the room started swirling with shimmering pink lights. BAM! I was gone! And my gosh, do you know, here I am, back in 1926!
So, the year 1926, huh? A vibrant era, all glamour and grand parties. In the midst of all that roaring jazz, some truly remarkable acts were brewing in the world of drag!
A Whirlwind Tour of 1926 Drag!New York City: The heartbeat of entertainment. Now, if we're talking big city glam, we gotta mention the grand shows at the Palais Royale Theatre. They're legendary, darling! Imagine: dazzling performances with beautiful sets and a real mix of talent â singers, dancers, and of course, the crème de la crème - drag artists. Oh, the sass!
Chicago: This city was bubbling over with the coolest clubs, jazz clubs that is. Think smoky jazz tunes and all that captivating charisma from performers who knew how to rock those stage lights. This was the year when Julius LaVerne rose to fame, he was a show-stopping "lady impersonator" (oh, the labels!), renowned for his beauty and stunning performances!
London: This city was always ahead of the curve, with a truly flourishing theatre scene. This era, in particular, was all about "drag pantomime" where everyone, from the leading man to the dame, were done up to the nines! It was an absolutely delightful extravaganza!
Now, to really immerse yourself in the glamorous world of 1926, I suggest checking out some of these vintage photos!
1. A Snapshat of Parisian Fashion
[Insert Vintage Parisian photo: Women dressed in 1920s Flapper style: Short dresses, fringed headbands, and maybe even a hint of that âsmokingâ (cigarette-holding) look.]
Can you imagine strutting down the Champs-Elysees in those flapper dresses with your feather boa? A classic Parisian vibe, right? All the Parisian style and flair you can imagine - it's the perfect blend of elegance and rebellious fashion! I adore that time period. All that sleek and sophisticated fashion. And who knows, perhaps youâll find a pink tutu hiding in those archives, ready to steal the spotlight!
2. A Little Glimpse of Hollywood Glamour!
[Insert Photo: Picture of a Vintage Hollywood theatre show: Women on the stage dancing, possibly with elaborate costumes. Perhaps even a singer!]
Oh, my dear! The glamour of 1926 Hollywood! Letâs rewind the clock and immerse ourselves in those glorious nights! Picture glittering gowns, feathers, rhinestones, and a whole lot of drama, with some exquisite music to boot. Thatâs what Hollywood drag was all about in the roaring twenties! And those costumes, my love! Itâs enough to make a queen weak in the knees. You might even find some vintage photos of the legendary âLaBelle,â the first black female impersonator, whose voice was described as an âinstrument of extraordinary compass and resonance.â Absolutely brilliant. We have so much to thank these queens for!
3. An Encore of Drag History in Australia:
[Insert Photo: Maybe an old-fashioned theatrical show, or possibly a drag queen in costume holding a feather boa.]
Speaking of captivating performers, in Australia, you had the one and only *Madame Claude, ** a leading lady, dazzling crowds with her charismatic presence and extraordinary talents. Oh, how I would have loved to have met this fierce queen! This is why I love this job. Discovering new stories from our vibrant past!
But let me be honest. Sometimes it's not about finding out if one famous performer in London or Paris wore a pink tutu... though I will never rule that out, babes. For me, it's the little details - how they created these breathtaking costumes, how they forged those spaces, how those fierce women, those extraordinary humans who bravely stood up, and yes, performed with flair. This is the drag history that truly moves me, it's about finding our roots, celebrating where we came from. That, dear lovelies, is what makes this journey so utterly thrilling!
How You Can Celebrate Drag History: 1926 Edition:
So, darling, if youâre feeling inspired, how about channeling the glamorous spirit of the roaring twenties? Grab that feather boa, find your best pair of vintage shoes, and do it! If you don't have a pink tutu already... GET ONE. Embrace the bold look, experiment with different hairstyles, and let your personality shine! Oh, donât forget, the most fabulous thing is⌠to have fun with it!
You donât need a magic pink tutu to step back in time. Just your passion, your sparkle and a whole lot of courage! Remember, the history of drag is a celebration of self-expression, creativity, and pushing boundaries. Each era holds a piece of our story! I love how this era is a testament to how drag is truly a global force, a shining example of our love for art, entertainment, and freedom of expression!
Stay fabulous, my loves! Until next month, keep shining!
*Lots of love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com *
P.S. Remember to subscribe to the blog for more drag adventures from this dazzling time traveler. I'm planning on celebrating the 100th anniversary of drag history soon!
P.P.S. Let me know in the comments your favourite historical drag performers and donât forget, share those fun photos in your "Roaring Twenties" outfits on social media using the hashtag #PinkTutu1926! Letâs create our own dazzling memories!
