Hello darlings! It's your girl, Emma, back from another absolutely fabulous time-travelling adventure! You know how much I love pink, tutus, and history, especially when it comes to drag, so this month's escapade had me shimmying with excitement. Grab a cuppa, put on your best pink lip, and get ready to travel back with me to 1928!
August 8th was a date brimming with glam and intrigue, and of course, a splash of pink, because honey, you know pink is ALWAYS in season! I whipped on my magical time-travelling tutu – this month it was a delicate, vintage-inspired, pink tulle confection with a bejeweled waist – and poof, off I went!
My arrival was in the vibrant heart of New York City, and the moment I stepped out, I could feel the energy. The air crackled with the excitement of the Roaring Twenties. Jazz music drifted through the streets, and the stylish flapper girls were out in force. Now, I don't know about you darlings, but I adore that era! The bold cuts, the dazzling jewels, and of course, the rebellious spirit. They knew how to own their look!
Of course, my first stop had to be the Paramount Theatre, the jewel in the crown of the entertainment scene. This place was bursting with stars! And speaking of stars, this is where I met my first drag icon for the evening: Julian Eltinge! He was performing in his dazzling show "The Five O'Clock Girl", a masterpiece of comedic wit and stunning visual spectacle. Imagine, my darlings, a performer in a perfectly tailored frock coat, looking simply ravishing while doing an incredible tap dance routine! The crowd was absolutely in love! He even had a line in his act where he quipped, "Well, now I'm not quite sure who the man is and who the woman is!" – such witty and forward-thinking commentary! This was exactly what the drag scene needed. We were breaking down barriers with sequins and sass, one glittering performance at a time.
But, you know what else they had in New York in 1928? DRAG STREET! Yes, darlings, that’s right. Imagine walking down the street and seeing all the drag divas going about their day! Now that is something that just wouldn't be out of place on my timeline! I have to give credit to New York for its forward-thinking nature and for embracing the art form that is drag. This city was just bursting with creativity. It felt like every corner held a new surprise, and every person I encountered had an irresistible sense of style.
From New York City, my pink-tutu clad self embarked on a transatlantic flight – oh darling, it took an age! - landing in the ever-so-charming city of Paris. France, oh, how I love you! Here, the cabaret scene was humming. It felt so decadent and enchanting. And you know what I found, my lovely little buttercups? Not just any cabaret, but a cabaret called "Le Petit Casino!" Can you even imagine the pink tulle, the feathered boas, and the sequins?! I could already picture myself twirling and dancing amongst all the glitz and glamour. I mean, come on, who doesn't love a good cabaret?!
Paris, the city of love and haute couture, truly embodied the drag queen aesthetic. Everywhere you looked there were these exquisite gowns and dazzling jewels! My, oh my, how I miss the effortless style of the roaring twenties! The silhouette, the feathered headdresses, the decadent makeup, and those fabulous boas – the perfect accessories for a night out! I could feel my creativity brimming as I took in all the details. Imagine, darlings, this was the world's first time travelling ballerina in a pink tutu, getting inspired by Parisian style! The possibilities! The glamour!
Before returning to Derbyshire for my next gig (a little cabaret performance to fund my time travelling ventures, you know how it is! ) , I popped into the Théâtre de l'Opéra-Comique. This building was not only beautiful to look at, but it also gave me a chance to glimpse what theatre was like back then. It was filled with an electricity that simply transcended the years.
You know, travelling through time gives me a whole new perspective on the world, and how much we take for granted in today’s modern world. You know, while we may not have a Drag Street anymore, we still have so much to be grateful for. The LGBTQ+ community has come so far, and drag continues to evolve and challenge conventions.
I'm so grateful to live in a time where we can embrace all that is beautiful, bold, and flamboyant. But remember, it’s a time we owe to the drag pioneers that went before us. That’s why, my dear, I’m determined to get everyone in a pink tutu! And you know what else I know? Just wait till you see where my next time-traveling adventure takes me. Let’s just say, it's going to be absolutely divine!
See you next month, babes! And don't forget to visit the Pink-Tutu.com website!
Lots of love, Emma xx
