Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, where we're jet-setting through the history of drag, one sequined stitch at a time! As your time-travelling, pink tutu-wearing guide, I, Emma, am back with another fascinating trip down memory lane - this time, we're spinning right back to 1932, a year dripping with glitz, glamour and a whole lotta' âoo la la!" And this month's travel blog? It's all about a dazzling trip to... well, you know what!
Flashback: 2nd February, 1932
It's a Wednesday and it's cold. Freezing cold actually, but that doesn't dampen the spirits of our beloved pink-clad, pink-loving drag family, even in the depths of a British winter. So how about we take a trip back to 1932? Our journey today starts in Derbyshire, a county famous for its beautiful countryside, which could definitely do with a splash of pink - just like me! Today though, Derbyshire will be on my mind because guess what, I'm here to catch a super secret drag show... But it's not what you think...
This time around, our show takes a rather unusual turn. Let's imagine a room bathed in candlelight with hushed whispers mingling with the low thrum of the piano, you know? Iâm talking the 1930s, when whispers about things "not quite right" travelled much faster than gossip in a social media feed, so... whispers and the most secretive of secrecy! We're stepping into the world of drag in the 1930s! It's a world where female impersonators have an altogether different flavor and one we may be more accustomed to knowing in the 1950s! Itâs still in the âgay speak for itâ days, when men and women knew exactly what was happening... the âdonât tell anyone, but do come and watchâ time⌠a sort of glamorous âgayâ speakeasy.
Now you may be asking âWhereâs the tutu, Emma?â and my darling, the tutus of 1932 are definitely not your standard pink, tulle, all-round "twirling delight"! Picture the era's leading ladies like Greta Garbo, the exquisite Marlene Dietrich, and the radiant Jean Harlow. They werenât exactly known for their ballet costumes were they? And you betcha, this is the type of look weâre working with in the world of drag in the early 30s. Our drag queenâs tutu for tonight would probably involve a beautiful gown. But it might have a twist â the men who were performing, loved to tease a womanly look, sometimes going so far as to be adorned in elaborate, but not very realistic womenâs clothes, the style of which would make you gag - think heavy dresses, very dramatic makeup, and lots and lots of feathers â the whole Flapper era aesthetic is so wonderfully fabulous and I feel myself transported just writing about it. Itâs like stepping out of a lavish Art Deco building with the most elegant, beautifully, and delicately adorned âladiesâ ever imagined... and then having them burst into song and make your knees weak.
Of course, if youâve watched shows about the early history of drag (oh darling, we all have) then youâve probably seen footage or photos of some amazing, early "showmen". Now that they're so often cited as influences, their contribution to drag can't be forgotten and shouldn't be downplayed!
The early drag performers â most famously Julian Eltinge â had audiences flocking in droves to catch a glimpse of their larger-than-life performances! The performances are described as captivating - just what you would want from a âladyâ, in 1932 right? From the shimmering gowns to the perfect makeup, these queens were the definition of glamorous perfection. A whole generation were glued to the radio, desperate to know their gossip, but the real thrill? That was in going to see their shows! It was all just a part of a really exciting time, and I know the people in this era, would give anything for a pink tutu! I guess some things never changeâŚ
I would be amiss to mention the rise of cabaret, dance halls and jazz clubs, all buzzing with these stunning displays. For example, the glamorous Savoy Hotel in London was not only famous for itâs fabulous âgentlemen's clubâ scene, but also as the heart of these flamboyant, secret shows!
And the drag shows were not just in BritainâŚ
From the US to Paris, drag was an explosion! The Cotton Club, a jazz hotspot, and legendary venue of African-American excellence in Harlem was a place of drag excellence â with some famous performers such as âThe Bearded Lady,â who had audiences swooning over her powerful voice and outlandish performance! It is even said that many people saw âMadameâ at the Cotton Club and believed she was actually a woman! (I hear you gagging darlings).
But we all have our dreams and Madame must have dreamt of a pink tutu at one point in her fabulous existence. Perhaps she would even have been proud to call herself part of the âPink Tutu Dynastyâ one day, one day⌠because I bet that was quite a gag from those folks in Harlem, wouldnât you say? Just like a good bit of drag queen smack and shake - It just would never have happened in that era! But we do things differently now...
So today, we celebrate the groundbreaking, courageous performers of 1932 - who paved the way for all the glitter and grace of today! Their audacious steps in a world where âwomen's clothingâ for a man, had more chance of you winning the lottery⌠had them risking so much! Their hard-earned journey was about fighting against prejudice, a time when a slight deviation from expected norms meant putting yourself and your family in serious danger. They risked so much, and paved the way for us to do things differently, today. To make it our time, our time to shine, our time to stand tall. To just... well, to dare. To walk in their shoes, to be more fabulous and be even louder, because they paved the way to a louder future for us! They took a huge risk, to step into a fabulous costume and put themselves out there, when you literally couldn't wear the things we wear now!
Todayâs lesson is about courage â and the sparkle that drag continues to possess today because of the acts of our ancestors! That sparkle⌠and an element of risk and that need to shine - is in us all. And what better way to be true to ourselves, then with a pink tutu? I have a great big feeling, it wouldn't even have made it into the Cotton Club or a speakeasy, but my goodness darling, we make our own rules today don't we? Dare to embrace it, and the pink tutu will be waiting.
If you've found yourself entranced by this week's journey through time, why not leave me a message about your favourite parts of drag history! Tell me about the drag icon who inspires you most! Until next time, stay fabulously pink and may your days be filled with more glitter than a disco ball!
And always remember... Life is just a drag show, so be fabulous darling, and always be sure to let your light shine! xxoo!
