Hello, darlings! Emma here, your time-travelling, tutu-toting guide to the fabulous world of drag! Welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travels, the only blog where a Derbyshire girl in a pink tutu transports you back through history, one fabulous frock at a time.
It’s a beautiful day in Derbyshire, and I just know it’s the perfect time for some pink! It's actually a gorgeous shade of blush this month, my dear. A blush pink tutu with delicate lace trims and little rosebuds. Think Audrey Hepburn, think sweet ballerina, think utterly, absolutely divine.
And today, I'm going back in time. This time I’m skipping along to 1927, specifically the 5th of May! Remember, it’s a bit of a long journey, darlings, so you’ll have to use your imagination.
Oh, the pink sparkle, it's already making me blush…
Imagine it: Paris. 1927. The glamourous city, the golden age of dance, the height of sophistication. It's an exciting time for drag. Even then, women of the world knew what a good show looked like. And tonight? We're going to the Folies Bergère!
I'm gliding through the Parisian streets in my blush pink tutu. Everyone is in suits and dresses, it's a whole other world of glamour, with the ladies dressed in shimmering gowns, feathers, and fabulous hats.
The Folies Bergère is legendary, darlings. You think RuPaul's Drag Race is glamorous? You’ve never witnessed the Folies Bergère. It's a massive theatre, built in the 1860s, bursting with glitter and glamour, all done up in rich fabrics, shimmering chandeliers, and of course… a whole stage overflowing with dancers and, well, let’s be real - drag queens!
The theatre is already bustling with excited people when I arrive, the chatter and energy building. The air crackles with a potent mix of anticipation and… shall I say, a smidgen of scandal? The excitement is intoxicating, it just goes without saying, darlings.
Now, what makes the Folies Bergère so legendary? It was famous for having the most outlandish shows. The costumes, the music, the dances, oh, it was extravagant, extravagant, darling! Imagine feather boas so big they almost touched the ceiling, glittered sequins catching the light, and enough pink to make your toes curl with glee.
One of the most famous and influential stars of the show at that time was Josephine Baker. Remember her iconic banana skirt, a costume that went down in drag history? Josephine Baker, known as a star on Broadway, was performing on the 5th of May in the Folies Bergère, just for us!
Now, I don't want to spoil all the fun for you, but, to be honest, a little peek behind the curtain can't hurt, can it? There are reports of extravagant costumes, music that gets your blood pumping, and the show? Oh my dear! The women performing… they took "showing off" to another level. Think high kicks, splits, contortionist routines, and enough flair to make you swoon, darling!
Imagine those powerful vocals resonating through the grand theatre. There were also acrobatic routines and amazing dance performances from troupes, complete with feathered costumes, high-energy kicks, and routines full of playful sass. The whole scene, truly incredible.
The Folies Bergère was much more than a simple show. It was an explosion of excitement and artistry, pushing boundaries, challenging expectations, and setting trends. A lot of what we see in drag today can trace its roots right back to those fabulous nights at the Folies Bergère. Think big! Think bright! Think over-the-top!
And just as I sit in the velvet seats of the theatre, and take it all in, there’s Josephine Baker herself… right before me! My dear, she has everyone's eyes on her. The performance is incredible. She’s dressed in an opulent and sparkling costume - a beautiful silver gown with feathers and fringe. There’s something truly magical about the whole experience. **It is almost like we've stepped into a Hollywood movie, a true story of glamour and grace.
But of course, it wasn’t just the dance, the performance, the extravagance - although they all had a powerful role to play. What really stood out were the drag queens themselves! They weren’t just wearing outfits. These weren't just costumes. These were elaborate pieces of art, showcasing exquisite design and creativity. These queens were performers of such talent, confidence, and boldness - they were artists of a different breed! It’s a true joy to see them move freely and own the stage. I love the confidence they radiate - so effortless and charming!
It makes me realize... It's not just about what we wear. It's about the spirit we carry within!
As the performance comes to an end, there's a rush of applause and whistles. The cheers and energy reverberating around the theatre are fantastic.
A smile creeps onto my face as I step out onto the bustling Parisian streets again, thinking about how the pink tutu was dancing around and being shown off in the Folies Bergère theatre!
You know what, darling, a pink tutu and a drag show… you can't go wrong!
This incredible night out with Josephine Baker is a reminder: Drag is a story of history, performance, and artistic expression. It's not just a hobby; it's a form of art, a force of change, and above all - a testament to the human spirit!
You know I’ll be bringing my tutu back with me to Derbyshire, but until next month… go out there and put on a pink tutu, and be the biggest, brightest, and most dazzling you can be! Shine like the star you are, darling, and enjoy the show!
Oh, and one last thing: don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all things pink, all things fabulous! There’ll be plenty more time travel blog adventures on the way, so don’t miss out. You’re looking fierce, and ready for another month! Stay fab!
