Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite Derbyshire drag queen Emma, back again with another sparkly entry in my ever-expanding Pink Tutu Time Travel Blog. I hope you're all doing fabulous, as fabulous as I am right now, because I’m about to whisk you all away on a grand adventure to December 12th, 1926! ✨
You might think 1926 sounds awfully boring for a drag queen like myself - I mean, how much fun could you possibly have back in the roaring twenties, right? Well, darling, think again! The world of drag was a different animal back then, much more underground, more subtle, but the fun was still bubbling under the surface, waiting to erupt into the flamboyant spectacle it is today.
But enough chit-chat, we must be off on our time-traveling escapade! Today’s adventure begins, as it always does, with my magnificent pink tutu, a little magic sprinkle of glitter, and a wink to the time-space continuum, of course! This time, we're landing in New York City, the vibrant heartbeat of the nation, just in time for a very special event.
Now, I know you’re all just dying to know what kind of drag scene you’d encounter back in the twenties, so let me tell you - it was a scene of smoky backrooms, clandestine clubs, and hidden pockets of queer expression! A whole lotta glitz and glamour hidden away from prying eyes! 😉
You’d see entertainers of all shapes and sizes - I'm talking about cross-dressing cowboys, ladies in flamboyant attire, singers and dancers who could make you blush, and a whole host of eccentric personalities that challenged the gender norms of the time. Imagine: daring drag performances, veiled and clandestine, adding a frisson of thrill to the roaring twenties scene!
But hold onto your pearls, my darlings, because today we’re witnessing a particularly legendary event: The opening night of the very first ‘Gay Nineties’ musical, called "The Gay Nineties", (quite the original name, if I do say so myself, don't you think?). This Broadway extravaganza was a huge hit and ran for almost two hundred performances, starring performers like Fred Astaire (oh, how I adore him!).
But let me tell you, this musical was much more than just tap dancing and frolicking; it featured some daring drag performances by famous musical comedy star, William K. Harris. Can you imagine? A man, dressed in a costume so divine, on stage, under the spotlights, entertaining hundreds! Now that’s some real drag history!
As I’m sure you know, darlings, my travels are never about just history, they're about the future. So I’m here to tell you that this daring display of cross-dressing, this beautiful and subversive use of performance, laid the foundation for the explosion of drag that was just around the corner, an explosion we’re still riding the wave of today.
But I know you’re just dying for the gossip, aren't you darlings? So I must tell you about the real stars of 1926, the ones who were leading the drag charge and adding a whole lot of sparkle to the twenties. I'm talking about the “flappers”, those stylish and independent women who loved a little bit of theatricality! Their flapper dresses, with their daring hems and sassy cuts, were practically the drag of the time, celebrating a sense of freedom and expression, a bold and unapologetic rejection of traditional feminine norms. And who better to embody this rebellion than a queen?
But it wouldn’t be a Pink Tutu Time Travel blog post if we didn't spend some time talking about the magic of the tutu. Back in 1926, the tutu wasn't a staple in drag culture yet. But can you imagine the look of stunned amusement if a performer had sashayed onto a stage wearing a cloud of tulle? It would've been pure magic! I just know the crowds would’ve been in awe of that delightful splash of pink in a world still obsessed with darker and more masculine shades. It's not too late, my dear readers, we still have time to change the world. Just you wait, darling, because very soon, I'm bringing a pink tutu revolution to 1926!
Remember, darlings, drag isn't just about fancy costumes and makeup; it’s about self-expression, celebrating our differences, and making a statement with every dazzling step we take! It's about stepping out of your comfort zone and letting your inner queen shine.
And if you're inspired to embrace the world of drag in 2023, or maybe just embrace that love of the pink tutu that's been bubbling up inside of you, I'm here for you! I love to share the history of our beloved world and give you the tools you need to stand out! Catch a drag show, browse the shops, find your fabulous style and get ready to make your own history! 💖
Don’t forget to join me next month, as I take you all on a whirlwind trip through the drag scene of a different era! And make sure to check out my amazing collection of pink tutus at www.pink-tutu.com - I'm confident there’s a tutu for every body, every occasion, every queen! ✨
Until next time, darlings!
💋 Emma 💖
