Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling drag queen! Can you believe it? This is post number 100! I'm still pinching myself, and yes, it's absolutely fabulous.
This month, I'm taking us back to a truly special date in drag history: 4th April 1928. Now, darling, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, why 1928?" Well, trust me, this year is a blooming masterpiece! This is the year Josephine Baker was performing in Paris - can you imagine the spectacle? Her feathers, the dancing, the whole show! It's the kind of glam I'd travel across time just to see again. But before I take you back to those fabulous Parisian nights, let me tell you how this little adventure came about...
You know, dear, sometimes my time-travelling tutu gets me into the most peculiar situations. Just last week, I was at a drag ball in 1899 - imagine the gasp when I arrived in my tulle and sequins! The other queens thought I was from a futuristic fashion show, and for a moment, I felt like I'd travelled through the ages, leaving them speechless. You should have seen the look on the bartender's face when I asked for a martini! 🍸 Anyway, my impromptu performance that night helped me earn a couple of shiny pennies. These performances fund my time travelling - it's not always easy, you know! I mean, finding a place that serves a decent pink cocktail isn't easy in the past. And then there's the matter of adjusting to the fashions of each era... I remember once, in 1860s London, I found myself caught in a street brawl simply because I had the audacity to wear trousers!
However, this time, 1928, I felt ready to be a bit more tame. This is an era of flappers, of glamour, of cabaret shows - oh my, the costumes! I wanted to blend in, but of course, add my own little pink tutu twist. I found the most wonderful shop in New York called "The Parisienne" - their creations were something to die for, all feathers, fringes, and shimmering beadwork! You should see the new pink beaded feather boa I acquired there... pure magic. ✨
Speaking of glamour, darlings, it's 1928, and we're at the start of something absolutely spectacular: the Golden Age of Drag! Yes, it's a time of glitz, it's a time of fabulousness, it's a time of drag shows and stage performances that are pushing boundaries, challenging perceptions, and most importantly, shining brightly!
While Paris might be abuzz with the magic of Josephine Baker, let's travel back across the pond for a bit, darling! In my hometown of Derbyshire, England, on 4th April 1928, it would be quite a different scene. However, we mustn't forget the early beginnings of drag. Local pub performances were taking off, and we have so much to thank those early queens for - they were the pioneers, the trendsetters. Their commitment to embracing their individuality, to expressing themselves through dress, makeup and performance paved the way for all of us.
Imagine the courage it must have taken, darlings, to wear a feather boa or a glamorous hat in those days, in those small towns. We owe these early performers so much for opening doors and paving the way for what we see on stage today. I imagine some local Derbyshire girls, wearing borrowed furs, lipstick, and daring hairstyles, wowing crowds with their song-and-dance numbers in pubs or on the stage! Oh darling, if I could rewind to those days, I'd pack a whole suitcase full of tutus, give those brave girls a pink makeover and tell them "You go, girls! The future is full of glitter!" 💖
Now, imagine my excitement when I time-travelled back to a little Parisian cabaret. I sat there, sipping my martini and mesmerized by the most glamorous dancers on stage. Josephine Baker - an absolute legend! Her costumes! The choreography! You see, drag, my lovelies, isn't just about the looks. It's about storytelling, about emotions, about challenging expectations, about entertainment, about giving us a chance to escape.
This month, I challenge you all to dive deeper into the world of drag history. Let's remember the trailblazers who paved the way. Read their stories, learn their names, and appreciate the dedication and passion of all those who dared to express themselves, to be different, and to inspire.
Remember, darlings, a little bit of glitter and a pink tutu go a long way! Let's spread the magic, one fabulous step at a time!
XOXO, Emma 💖🩰
www.pink-tutu.com
