Hello darlings! It's your favourite Derbyshire diva, Emma, back again with another exciting chronicle from my pink tutu time travels! Today, my lovelies, we're whisking back to September 1927. Grab your tiaras and teacups, because it's a truly glamorous trip down memory lane, with a touch of the theatrical, and of course, a dash of pink!
As you all know, my little lovelies, I adore a good drag show, and 1927 was bursting with dazzling talent, even if it wasn't quite as "out there" as we are today! Imagine the roaring 20s, a time when jazz ruled the airwaves, flapper dresses swirled and Charleston dances were all the rage! This, my dears, was the backdrop for the era's drag queens, performing in venues across the globe.
I always start my time travels with a spot of research. Imagine me, all dolled up in my signature pink tutu, hunched over my vintage tomes, studying news articles and theatre reviews. It's a bit of a contrast, but oh so much fun!
And what did I find this time?
Well, let's kick off with New York City, the birthplace of so many theatrical talents. In the grand theatres, you'd find dazzling cabarets like the Palace Theatre hosting acts like the iconic "Ziegfeld Follies". This was where the most beautiful performers strutted their stuff. While we may not think of these shows as "drag" in the way we know it today, these acts pushed the boundaries of gender expression through elaborate costumes, and stunning choreography. Can you imagine, a sea of feathers and rhinestones? I do declare, it makes me want to shimmy right into the stage lights!
Jumping across the pond, let's travel to London, where the drag scene was still simmering. Remember, this was before the famous "drag balls" which exploded onto the scene in the late 1950s. However, in this period, London boasted "Variety Shows", held at venues like the Hippodrome. Imagine, an entire show with song and dance! And though "drag" as we know it may not have been formally a part of these acts, many of the performers had an almost flamboyant air, perhaps the subtle seeds of what was to come!
In Paris, my darlings, the fashion was truly ahead of the times! The French embraced elegance and avant-garde. The city buzzed with art and literature, inspiring a bohemian style that blurred the lines of convention. Imagine cabaret acts with stunning Parisian outfits and smoky voices, oh là là! I'd just love to visit the Moulin Rouge, watch the can-can dance, and witness the bold costumes - I reckon, even in 1927, a pink tutu would fit right in!
Did I tell you about my little discovery this month? I unearthed a fascinating newspaper clipping from a magazine called "The Stage". Can you believe, there was even a drag performer called "Dolly" in Britain in 1927! Imagine, my darlings, a female impersonator! I bet they wore sequins, I bet they had an eye-catching pink tutu... but we will never know! It’s thrilling to know that performers, even before drag was recognised as we know it today, were pushing those boundaries and finding their way in a world that wasn’t always open to them. It just goes to show you, dearies, drag has always been there, hidden within the fabric of history, waiting for its time to truly blossom!
To fund my next pink tutu time travel adventure, I've got a dazzling performance at The Bluebell, Derbyshire's very own fabulous drag club! Be sure to come and catch me twirling through time and sharing all my stories!
This month, I'm also trying out a new pink tutu made of feathers! Do you know, my darlings, feathers are the epitome of glamour and a truly divine way to twirl and flaunt! Oh, I just know September 1927 would have been a perfect time to have flaunted my feathers in a glamorous cabaret! It's a truly divine combination, wouldn't you agree?
Next month, I'll be travelling back to 1922! I heard it was a very special year, with a real emphasis on fancy dress! Ooh la la, I simply cannot wait to witness it all with my very own twirling eyes! I can almost hear the music already. And of course, I'll share it all with you, my precious darlings!
Until then, let’s spread the love of pink and remember, a pink tutu can transport us anywhere, anytime! Stay glamorous and happy time traveling, lovelies!
With love and glitter, Emma xx
