Darling readers! It’s your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, Emma, back again for another pink-tastic voyage through time! My time machine? You know the drill – my fabulous, shimmering pink tutu, of course! Every month, I dust off my ballet shoes and let this magic fabric whisk me off to a different era to explore the incredible history of our beloved art form. This month, we’re travelling back to February 2nd, 1927, darling! Buckle up, lovelies, because it’s gonna be a glamorous trip!
Now, as much as I love my tutu, even I must admit it doesn't take us directly into a historical moment! Instead, I’ve got to use a little magic – that and a lot of research. Thanks to some divine archival digging, I’ve learned that this date in 1927 marked the grand opening of The Paramount Theater in Oakland, California. Now, let me tell you, this was not your ordinary, bog-standard cinema. Oh no, darlings! This was the hottest entertainment spot in town, showcasing Vaudeville shows filled with amazing singers, dancers, and comedians. You bet your bottom dollar, they even had drag performances! Can you imagine?!
To imagine what this show was like, we have to turn our attention to a key name in early drag history – Julian Eltinge. This legend is the one, the only, the King of Drag. I mean, let’s face it, darling, if you don't know his name, you're basically missing the tea! A pioneer, a performer, and an absolute show-stopping star, Julian's artistry in creating female characters captivated audiences nationwide. You see, his career soared right through the 1910s and 20s, even reaching the height of success in New York! His impact on early drag was colossal. He opened doors for others, allowing artists to be brave, to express themselves on stage, and to break the boundaries of society. That is an inspiration to us all, and we should always acknowledge his brilliance!
So, picture it: Oakland, 1927. We're surrounded by glamorous ladies and dapper gentlemen, sipping on fizzy beverages, their eyes sparkling with anticipation as they enter the glorious Paramount Theatre. The music swells as a dazzling array of acts appear – dazzling, singing, dancing, and just having a ball. Who knows what gems we would find on that stage? I'm picturing, a spectacular ensemble number, featuring feather boas, sequined dresses, and of course, plenty of lip-syncing! The laughter and applause reverberating throughout the theater… It truly warms the heart, doesn't it?
Now, before we take off again in my trusty tutu, let’s pause and remember how far we’ve come. The pioneering spirit of drag, from those like Julian Eltinge to the queens and kings of today, it’s an incredible story of artistic evolution. We see more inclusivity, greater acceptance, and ever-growing platforms for our community. Just look at what we’ve created, darling – from those early Vaudeville stages to the extravagant shows of today, our art has evolved into a stunning spectacle of vibrant self-expression.
My heart feels full just thinking about it. Speaking of hearts, mine is filled with the pinkest excitement because February means we have so much to celebrate! February 2nd, 1927 might be a trip to the past, but future us is busy planning a big celebration right now, so get ready to shine! Don't forget, you can find out more about Julian Eltinge and the incredible legacy he left behind, plus, lots more drag history!, on my website, www.pink-tutu.com!
Keep those pink tutus flowing, darling, and see you next month for another adventure!
Lots of love, Emma x
This is just a small taste of the incredible world of drag! I've only scratched the surface of this fantastic and ever-growing community. As I said, my blog's going to focus on all aspects of drag. If you’ve got any suggestions for future trips through time, just comment on the site or give me a shout on social media! My goal is to ensure everyone wears a pink tutu. Now go on, get that glitter ready, and get ready to slay, darling!
You can follow my journey at:
- My Website: www.pink-tutu.com
- My Instagram: @pinktutuedits
- My Twitter: @PinkTutuTravel
Catch you all soon!
Love and pink kisses,
Emma
