Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time-travelling drag queen, and welcome back to my little slice of drag history, www.pink-tutu.com! This month, we're shimmying our way back to October 10th, 1927, a date ripe with glamorous possibilities, just begging for a little bit of pink tutu magic.
Now, let's be honest, it's not always easy time travelling in a sparkly, pink tulle masterpiece. Trust me, trying to cram this majestic, twirling tutu into a 1927 wardrobe trunk, especially in a London hotel, was⌠a situation. But darling, when your goal is to get everyone twirling in pink, one must endure a bit of a fashion crisis. Itâs all part of the fun!
Speaking of fashion, 1927 was truly an era of shimmering style. Think flapper dresses, Charleston dances, and oh, the makeup! With daring eyeshadow, long eyelashes and cherry-red lipstick, the women (and some daring men!) were positively roaring. Can you even imagine how gorgeous this must have looked with a pink tutu swirling around it? Now, wouldnât that be a glorious, shimmering picture?
Of course, my mission for this month, darling, wasnât simply to get everyone twirling in pink tutus â although that was definitely a big part of it! - It was also to see some drag history unfold, live and in glorious technicolor. After all, who needs Netflix when you can watch the real deal, right?
And boy, was I in for a treat! It turns out that 1927 was a particularly lively year for drag performance, a year where the line between âdragâ and "theatrical performance" became incredibly blurry, leading to some truly incredible spectacles.
My first stop was, of course, London, darling. This era saw an incredible blossoming of vaudeville and variety theatre in the capital, each offering up a fantastic, colourful spectacle for the senses, often showcasing âmen in dragâ as a comedic and captivating act. From burlesque performers like "Evelyn Tingle" at The Windmill to flamboyant singers at the Coliseum, there were drag acts galore, with each boasting a distinct personality and flair. Can you imagine? Each one of those acts a possible inspiration for some future iconic drag queen. It simply makes my heart swell with pride!
Speaking of variety theatre, I did have to pop down to Nottingham's The Palace Theatre to catch "The Gay Twenties," starring one of the most renowned entertainers of the time, the divine Gertie Millar. Darling, you havenât truly seen true âdiva-liciousnessâ until youâve seen the magic that Gertie exuded on stage! Even though her acts weren't specifically categorised as "drag" - it's still incredibly important to highlight the role of these pioneers, whose dazzling style paved the way for drag queens of today. She truly embodied the flamboyant spirit that helped to define the age. And I, naturally, fell deeply in love with her glamorous gowns and feather-boa accessorized performances. It was like a masterclass in how to use your costumes as a storytelling tool â simply mesmerizing.
Then I journeyed to New York City, the shining beacon of cabaret and, of course, the dazzling Ziegfeld Follies. Darling, let me tell you, this was an experience unlike any other! The spectacle, the costumes, the talent⌠truly remarkable! And yes, those famous Ziegfeld girls definitely had their tutus going on â albeit a bit more traditional, feather-boasting ones than my pink dream. Still, the impact of their dance numbers was incredible. If you've never seen one, itâs simply worth the trip through time just for that.
As I explored New York, I stumbled upon a vibrant Harlem club, a real hub of creative expression. And within that space, there were incredible dancers, singers, and yes, performers like the fabulous "Bebe," who were unafraid to defy norms, push boundaries, and deliver something spectacular! They werenât simply performers - they were trailblazers, paving the way for generations of LGBTQ+ artists. Their bravery and talent deserve a standing ovation!
Now, darling, while all this drag and cabaret history was simply sensational, I must admit there were times I felt a little miss me with that about the limitations placed upon drag performances back then. They couldnât be out there flaunting their full glorious selves like we do today, with complete and unapologetic self-expression. This period saw subtle drag expressions and, letâs be real, sometimes a whole lotta cross-dressing hiding within the glitz and glam of the eraâs theatrical world.
Of course, even if the constraints on performance might be jarring for modern sensibilities, we can see, through these spectacles, the seeds of the drag scene we know and love today. That sense of playful, subversive challenge is absolutely there, ready to bloom and evolve into something more bold, more beautiful, more authentically queer.
However, darling, it wasnât all nightclubs and stages. I also got to immerse myself in the fashion of the day, especially with my favourite era-inspired pieces of clothing â did you see those gloriously flowing gowns on those "Ziegfeld girls"? Absolute magic, darling! Itâs always such a joy to see how fashion inspires drag performance and how performance elevates fashion.
And, of course, it wouldnât be a trip back in time without a bit of shopping. And by the end of my visit to the fabulous shops in Paris, I had more feathers, beads, and glittering embellishments than I could ever use. Imagine the tutus! Theyâre going to be fabulous - enough pink, sparkly glory to share with everyone.
Now, don't be a silly goose and forget about my little pink-tutu fashion advice for this month: it's all about making a statement. 1927 had flappers with killer style. And let's be real, with just a dash of glitter, we could totally do the same. So, go grab your pink tutu (or a nice pink dress for you lovely non-tutu folks!) - grab those beads and sequins too! And unleash your inner glamour, darlings.
And remember, darling, all thatâs needed to change the world is a little pink tulle, a whole lotta heart, and a sparkling sense of style. Keep on shining and be sure to share your #PinkTutu time travel memories with me! Until next time, darlings, may your tutus always be fabulous and your hearts always filled with the joyous spirit of drag!
