Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu wearing time traveller, and today I’m taking you back to 1st January, 1931!
As I glided through the time portal (which, just to remind you, is the magical combination of wearing a full, feathered, shocking pink tutu and saying "Pink it up, baby!") I landed in a swirling snowstorm! Brr! 1931 seems like it's pretty darn cold - at least compared to my sunny Derbyshire summers! I'd have to pack some serious sequins for the upcoming frosty months!
Right, let’s jump back into drag history! So, 1931 – what was going on in the world of fabulousness? Well, darlings, we’re talking the GOLDEN AGE of drag! Think big hair, elaborate costumes and a sense of pure joy that can only come from dressing up to express yourself. This era was all about flamboyance and creativity, with performers showcasing daring costumes, glittering makeup and captivating personas.
In New York, The Village Vanguard had just opened, and while they had some blues and jazz performers – it’s interesting to note that a cabaret space was springing up and a real cultural hub for creativity! Who knows, they might even be offering space for drag acts – a girl can dream, right?!
Across the pond in London, you can imagine the gorgeous costumes being crafted! It’s the era of the flapper girl and everything is shimmer and glamour! London was really kicking it in terms of fashion with the Bloomsbury set all decked out in flowing, draped looks and daring outfits for dancing and sipping champagne at fancy social gatherings! Can you imagine, my dears? Dancing to the live orchestra with a fabulous, feather boa and the best beaded flapper dress, and all I have is this big, puffy tutu! The world’s definitely changed in terms of style and what’s in fashion - but then again, if everyone was wearing my pink tutu I’d be terribly bored, wouldn't I? And honestly, if we're all in it for a bit of drama and flair, well then… who’s really changed that much?
While I can’t report on any concrete drag shows taking place on the 1st January 1931 - and it's incredibly hard to find any records of specific shows from the 1920s and 1930s for that matter - we can assume there are some absolute fire performances going down, tucked away in those little nightclubs, smoky underground bars and flamboyant, exclusive balls. Imagine those backroom shows with all the secret glamour, the wild and daring performances, and those iconic underground places where the true creativity is simmering, hidden and waiting for history to record it! It would’ve been the place to be!
My heart does skip a beat at the thought of getting on the stage to be seen and admired - I can imagine the gasps from the audience as I twirl and perform! Imagine, I am gliding through a snowstorm with a pink tutu - so glamorous, so captivating! Just imagine, those vintage microphone stands with glittering accents. You bet, you’ll see me backstage doing a serious shimmy before taking the stage, all dolled up in pink feathers and fabulous make-up – a pink blush with dramatic red lips and lashes longer than my arms, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Speaking of performance, did you see that fabulous burlesque show last night at the Drag Emporium, darling? Oh, my word, that sequined costume was utterly fantastic! You know how much I adore sequins – I can't ever get enough sparkle. And that feathered headdress – truly exquisite! They absolutely blew me away, giving us a perfect display of theatrical and glittery entertainment, showcasing daring performances and the very heart and soul of the drag community! It just proves you never know where inspiration is going to strike. But, that’s all for me tonight. You can keep track of all the exciting things I’ve been up to by joining my fan club at www.pink-tutu.com and following my next travel post, which drops on the first of every month! See you then, darlings! Remember to keep pinking it up!
And don’t forget to wear a pink tutu - just try it, darling! You might love it. 💖
