Hey darlings, Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveler! It's the 12th of December, and, well, the world just isn't quite the same in 1928. Imagine it: no Instagram, no Twitter, not even the internet! Can you believe it? Honestly, how did we ever manage back then? Thankfully, I'm here with my magical pink tutu to bring you the juiciest, most fab-u-lous bits of drag history straight from the archives! đ
This month, my darlings, I'm taking us back to 1928, and you just won't believe what I found! A year in the midst of a roaring twenties boom, but not in the way you'd think. Now, this date in particular is all about...well, to be honest, there isn't one particular shining star on the drag scene that everyone was talking about, not yet, at least! You see, back then, things were still very, very underground. It was about finding the little hidden gems, those whispered about secret performances tucked away in speakeasies or basement clubs.
But don't worry, that doesn't mean there was a dearth of drama or glitz. Quite the contrary, my dear dears! Let me tell you, drag queens were doing the darnest things to push boundaries and entertain audiences. They weren't called drag queens back then, though. No, they were called "drag acts", "burlesque queens", or, perhaps most interestingly, "female impersonators". Oh, the stories I could tell you about these pioneers of the art!
So, what's happening on this specific 12th of December? Firstly, darling, the fashion scene! This was the time of flapper dresses, bobs, and feather boas - lots of sequins and a dash of cheeky cheekbones, think Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby, and you've got the general gist! Now, these fashion trends had a HUGE impact on drag at the time! I'm talking about the rise of the glamorous female impersonator, strutting the stage in sequins, feather boas, and all sorts of daring dresses! Now thatâs some high-impact fashion, wouldn't you say?
But, you see, drag was often met with some suspicion back then. A bit of hush-hush, a touch of âundergroundâ. Oh darling, don't get me wrong! It wasn't just that these women weren't recognized for the artists they were - imagine if you went out to a show today, only to hear people whisper âIsn't she brave?â, and giggle with thinly veiled discomfort. That, darling, was the unfortunate reality for drag performers back in 1928.
So, where do I find these amazing shows? Whereâs the theatre district of the time?
Well, in New York City, you'd be hard-pressed to find a "drag show" per se, but I did find something spectacular, my dears! "The Palace Theatre", built in 1913, housed spectacular variety shows every day. It featured Vaudeville performances with song and dance, burlesque acts and everything in between, even acrobats. The key? Well, think daring costumes, flamboyant personalities, and a bit of wink-wink, nudge-nudge, you know the vibe!
Imagine a huge venue, dripping in chandeliers and ornate details, with singers, dancers, and, my dears, a few female impersonators adding that extra something-something! Theyâd sneak into those burlesque routines and bring in that delicious mix of camp and charm! This is the time where the drag scene was more about subtle, impactful acts, not just one full-on performance.
This is how you got that exciting air of secrecy and underground intrigue surrounding it. Drag wasnât mainstream, it wasnât openly discussed, but it was there!
And London, my darlings! Well, there was plenty of that Vaudeville, too, with a focus on traditional British music hall! Now, that's where you'd see these female impersonators bring in their unique brand of "glamour", especially in West End theatres. They'd slip in those cheeky quips and glamorous gowns. Imagine it - think glittery sequined outfits, feathered headbands, and those seductive smokey eyes, paired with a wickedly witty, captivating performance. And it was happening every day in theatres across the city.
But, oh, what were these ladies wearing? If you ever have the chance, have a peek at images from the era â it's a treat! Think short skirts, revealing silhouettes, and a dash of rebellion with some stockings and pumps thrown in for good measure. It was all about glamour and taking on that "boyish charm" but in an exciting and scandalous way. The fashion darling, absolutely mesmerising, I was utterly captivated by these images and their stories.
These "female impersonators" had their way of keeping the entertainment going while always staying ahead of the fashion curve. You had performers like "Miss Adelaide" (an absolute icon in the history of vaudeville), or "Josephine Baker", with her iconic banana skirt. They really brought that touch of "Oh-la-la!" and made the stage with their outrageous, exciting performances. And letâs not forget "Ruth Draper" and her captivating âcharacter" comedy acts. Imagine: a show packed with hilarious, dramatic monologues! Itâs truly the best of what a show could be.
While these names and others, are shining bright in history, you just wouldn't see their names listed anywhere as "drag queens." Nope. Those performances were tucked away, sometimes only mentioned in whispers, like secrets waiting to be unveiled! The era had a charm that, let's be honest, you just can't recreate, not even with a magical pink tutu. The excitement, the thrill, the mysteryâoh darling, you just canât bottle that!
I must say, travelling through time with my pink tutu and observing the way those "female impersonators" used their wit and charm is something else. Now, itâs not easy going back to a world where things are a little different, but thereâs a certain something that these drag queens, excuse me, female impersonators, brought to the table!
And thatâs where my little bit of hope comes in! With the magic of the pink tutu and all its dazzling colours, I see something amazing! The idea of being "hidden in plain sight" that they navigated. And their passion for glamour, that truly, still shines brighter than any rhinestone!
My love for history shines through these events and that excitement keeps me searching for these little pieces of hidden drag history, tucked away in dusty books and whispered memories. It makes me realize how important it is to keep these stories alive and celebrate the incredible women who dared to perform on stage. Oh darling, I can only hope to one day reach that same level of bravery.
Now, enough about the history lesson. How about we discuss something more thrilling! It's Christmas season, my darlings! And we all know what that means: Shopping, darling, SHOPPING! And oh, the glamorous outfits to be worn, the sparkles and the glamour...you can't go wrong! Imagine these glittery gowns with fabulous feathers. Don't you just adore this time of year for fashion?
But before you run off, thereâs one last thing I need to mention: this year, I have a very special Pink Tutu Christmas campaign! Thatâs right! Iâm spreading a little bit of pink and sparkles everywhere, to make the holidays extra fabulous! Now, who wants to see my special sparkly pink tutu this year?! Oh, be a darling and visit the "pink-tutu.com" website, my dear! You'll find out more about my special project!
Remember, my dear, we're a big family here at "pink-tutu.com", all embracing our unique flair, and keeping the drag spirit alive, just like those bold performers of 1928.
See you next month, darling, when I'll bring you more fabulous history lessons. Donât forget, every month is filled with amazing drag queen stories, ready to be shared. đ
