Hello darlings! It's your girl Emma, here, straight from the archives of time travel in my magical, shimmering pink tutu. This month, we're swirling back to the glorious, glittery 12th December 1931! And let me tell you, the energy in the air is positively electric.
Now, imagine me, your resident Derbyshire drag queen extraordinaire, waltzing through a smoky, roaring 1930s New York. You know I'm channeling my inner Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, with a dash of that classic Josephine Baker jazz. I mean, I simply couldn't resist those dazzling feather boas and glittering flapper dresses! This era was all about glitz and glamour, and darling, we just had to get into the spirit. The music was toe-tapping, the dance floors were jumping, and the vibes were pure camp perfection!
This month, though, we're not just here for a fabulous night out (although that is definitely on the agenda!). No, darling, we're going to be digging into some fabulous drag history, and for this month, we’re taking a trip across the world – from New York City, we’ll be traveling all the way to…London, that’s right!
London LightsLondon was already alive with theatrical extravagance! Drag wasn't explicitly called “drag" then – it was theatre, it was music hall, and it was entertainment that celebrated all aspects of performance. So darling, if you want to experience the fabulousness, imagine stepping into a dimly lit, smoke-filled club!
This December, we've got to shout out the legendary "The Tivoli". Located at 28-30 Craven Street in the heart of Covent Garden, this music hall was an absolute titan of entertainment! Think flamboyant shows with sensational drag stars who knew how to get the audience going.
The energy here is pure electrifying magic. It's about channeling different personas and entertaining with flair and artistry, with that glorious, show-stopping energy that makes you want to stomp your feet in appreciation. It's a powerful expression of who you are and celebrating those different facets of human identity in a way that brought audiences to their feet night after night.
Think about this! The theatre hosted cabaret, dance acts, and of course, the stars of drag at the time. It was a haven of artistic expression and freedom - the perfect place to shine in your fabulous pink tutu, am I right?
Our Pink Tutu Highlights
What really takes us to the next level of history, my lovelies? Well, on the very same day we are time-traveling, the 12th December 1931, an important drag queen performance happened! Now this isn't just a casual appearance – we’re talking about a landmark show with major impact.
That's right, on this very day, in the middle of December 1931, a British female impersonator called Gladys Bentley made a historical appearance at The Tivoli. She's often credited as one of the early drag performers who made it to mainstream stages. Gladys Bentley had been captivating London with her bluesy vocal skills for over a decade, and she really embraced a male persona with all its theatricality. She’s a real drag legend who walked so other artists could run.
This is Drag, My Darling!
These acts, these pioneers, paved the way for the vibrant drag scene we know today. Imagine all that bravery, all that incredible creativity - they brought that magic and glamour to life and pushed boundaries all the while. This is the legacy we carry forward - the fearless energy, the passion for entertainment, and the dazzling joy of self-expression. It's something that truly transcends time.
Time Travel To-Do List!
You already know I couldn’t come back without a few tips on how you can be time-travelling like a real queen yourself! So here's your "Drag Queen Time Travel Checklist for the Roaring 20s"!
Accessorize! This era is all about statement pieces. A dazzling hat, some glamorous gloves, and those chunky, dramatic jewellery sets will transform you into a roaring twenties goddess!
Flaunt your feathers! Those big, feather boas are iconic - just remember, they're a conversation starter!
Strut your stuff! Learning some classic ballroom steps is a must! Get those hips moving, channel some shimmy, and feel those jazzy rhythms take you to another place and time.
Take a leap of faith (in a glittery pink tutu, of course)! Time travel is not for the faint of heart - It’s about exploring new possibilities and smashing the boundaries of who we are.
Pink Tutu Performance Time
I’ll be making my way back to my local Derby club, The Cavendish Arms, to give the perfect ode to those magnificent 1930s performances. Come and celebrate Gladys Bentley, her legacy, and let’s do a little roaring twenties dancing with some feather boas! And remember darling, never forget - it’s all about being fearless, pushing boundaries, and loving a bit of glitter, no matter the era. I’m getting back to making this blog extra fabulous for you! You’ve gotta stay sparkly!
Website: www.pink-tutu.com
See you on our next trip! Love, Emma.
