Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller. Today's date, June 6th 1928, is particularly special, as I just whizzed through the time vortex (in my, of course, magical pink tutu) to take a peek at what the world of drag was like just over a century ago!
And let me tell you, this journey was more delightful than a vintage cabaret show filled with sequins and feather boas! Think "Moulin Rouge" meets "An Evening with the Stars" - and you're not even close to the fabulosity that I encountered in 1928.
So grab your pink teacups, gather around your fainting couches, and settle in as I tell you all about it, my dears. Because today's journey is a proper PINK TUTU BLAST FROM THE PAST!
The Time Warp
My trusty pink tutu sent me right back to a time where jazz was in bloom, flappers were swaying, and life felt like a grand dance with the roaring twenties as our DJ! Oh darling, the vibes were positively electrifying, especially in the drag scene, which I simply had to discover!
As I materialized in a bustling New York City, the sound of street performers playing jazz and ragtime was everywhere. A whirlwind of feathers, glitter and dazzling colours! This truly felt like a different world from our modern-day drag scenes, yet, in a strange way, familiar.
You see, darling, drag has always been about individuality, self-expression, and finding the magic within.
A Look at Drag's Past
Right from the moment I stepped off the time warp, I was immediately swept into the glamour of the roaring twenties drag scene. It wasn't just a simple case of wearing a dress or putting on makeup. These were professional, entertaining individuals who honed their art as performers, using their talents to bring joy, laughter and, of course, some deliciously scandalous entertainment to their audiences!
Imagine this, darlings:
Drag Kings and Queens: Back then, the concept of a drag king was very new! Drag kings began making appearances in speakeasies and cabarets, dressed as dapper men in suits with top hats, smoking cigars.
Burlesque Queens: Now this was where things really got steamy. I spotted many beautiful queens - their dresses shimmering and glittering in every imaginable colour, and a captivating flair for dramatic movement and performance. Their dance routines, a combination of high kicks, playful gestures and teasing laughter, kept the audiences entertained.
Ballrooms and Cabarets: These were the focal points of the drag scene - a welcoming space where queens and kings could express themselves through music, comedy, and their fabulous looks! They weren't afraid to play with femininity, masculinity, and all the things in between, pushing boundaries with daring outfits and performances that would leave even the most conservative in awe.
Fashion Through the Decades
The best thing about time travelling is getting a firsthand look at fashion through the decades. Let me tell you, 1928 fashion for the drag queens was a dazzling delight! It was about embracing the art of transformation! The emphasis was all about embellishment and intricate details - think sequined dresses, feathered headbands, extravagant jewelry and bold makeup!
My absolute favorite fashion look, you know what it is, right? It had to be the glamorous, sophisticated flapper style that all the queens were rocking. We're talking about dresses that swished and flowed, with tasseled edges, low necklines, shimmering embellishments and head-turning fringes. The more tassels, the more fantastic, and all those sparkles, oh darling, you can never have enough!
Emma's Dream of Pink
Of course, during my travels, I can't resist putting a few of my signature pink touches onto the vintage scene. Imagine, if you will, a 1920s speakeasy where the queens are performing in a stunning array of shimmering pink outfits, the walls painted with rosy hues and the drinks tinged with the prettiest shades of pink! You can practically hear the collective gasp and the murmurs of “Oh my darling!” echoing through the room, right?
And imagine all of you, reading this right now, embracing the power of pink tutus! Think about the glorious vision: the world awash with pink - pink shoes, pink accessories, and of course, those fabulous pink tutus. Let’s bring a touch of the vibrant energy of pink to the world!
Drag Through the Decades - An Ongoing Story
1928 was just a tiny glimpse into the rich and glorious history of drag. It reminds us, as time goes by, how drag is truly about expression, pushing boundaries, and embracing the beautiful diversity of the human experience.
So, I encourage you, my darlings, to keep on celebrating drag, whether it’s on the street, in a theatre or your local drag bar!
I will continue to explore the past and bring you fabulous tales about the colourful history of drag, right here on my Pink Tutu Blog!
And always, remember - embrace the power of pink!
Your darling Emma XOXO.
* www.pink-tutu.com *
* P.S. I am a big supporter of your local drag performers and I highly recommend heading to your local theatre, club or pub for some drag extravaganzas, darling. Get out there, dance, celebrate, and have a ball! *
