Hey dolls, it's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood, time-travelling, pink-tutu-clad drag queen! Welcome to another glorious month of adventures and dazzling discoveries!
Today, we're taking a trip back to June the 6th, 1932, a date thatâs etched in my sequined memory because⊠drumroll ⊠it was a Wednesday! đ„ Okay, maybe not the most scintillating fact, but trust me, weâre going to get glittery!
You know how I love a good old-fashioned ballet! So when my sparkly time-travelling tutu took me back to this date, I found myself in the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House in London, surrounded by all the chicest, most glamorous souls in 1932! This was back in the days when a lady would NEVER be caught dead without a hat, let alone a fabulous feather boa! It was like a feathered fantasy land! And you know I wasn't shy about letting everyone know that Emma was in town!
After all, I'm here for a good time, and a good time I had! The programme that night was âLa Sylphideâ, and it was simply divine! Imagine the most exquisite tulle skirts twirling across the stage, the dainty toe shoes barely touching the floor, all the while the air was alive with a feeling of sheer ethereal grace and beauty. Youâve never truly felt the thrill of ballet until youâve witnessed a performance like that!
Speaking of ballet, and grace, and all things pretty⊠this got me thinking:
Did you know that there was a growing influence of ballet on drag performances during the 1930s? Yep, thatâs right! From the swishy movements and grand gestures, to the feather-light touches, it was quite the drag! Weâre not talking about drag queens impersonating ballerinas though, darling, oh no, it was all about how those elegant ballet principles, like precision and grace, flowed into the flamboyant performance art that drag queens embraced. I'd bet my sequins that some of those drag performers of 1932 even wore tulle tutus of their own â maybe not pink, but definitely fabulous!
The truth is, Iâm rather proud that drag has such a long history steeped in theatrical beauty. This goes to show, that the spirit of embracing theatricality and being creative, that is so much at the heart of drag, has been part of society for longer than we can imagine! And honestly, doesnât that make you want to throw on a feather boa, a fabulous hat and hit the town? wink wink
So, what else was happening in the world of drag on that exciting Wednesday in 1932? Well, letâs rewind our glittery clocks! I'm talking about a journey of a different kind â through the glorious history of our fabulous, theatrical family. Itâs a history that stretches all the way back to the drag balls and the lavish âMidnight Frolicsâ of the 1920s and 30s in the United States!
Back then, drag wasn't all about glitz and glamour. While they did love a bit of showmanship, these performers were still pioneering, carving out space and celebrating freedom within the rigid confines of their society. It was the beginning of an exciting journey. They knew how to work their looks! Think beautiful gowns, elegant hats and stunning feathered boas!
These âMidnight Frolicsâ were often held in speakeasies â secret locations where people would come to dance and sing and experience the wonder of drag. They would gather for a night of entertainment and acceptance, finding solace in a world where being who they truly were was simply not possible. Now, isn't that a bit heart-warming?
Here in Derbyshire, life was pretty different. But back in 1932, you know what I did, in honour of this glorious history? I donned my most spectacular pink tutu, swished it a little and stepped onto the stage at my local Derby Playhouse! I know, I know! How absolutely fabulous, right? Imagine, dear, me â surrounded by the roaring energy of a supportive crowd and performing for all they were worth! It's safe to say, darling, it was a total triumph!
I'm always happy to let my hair down and join a community of incredible, flamboyant individuals! We get to let our creativity loose, push the boundaries of fashion and spread glitter and rainbows to everyone we meet! And it all starts with the confidence to embrace who you truly are! And what better way to express yourself than through a gloriously vibrant, sparkling pink tutu? wink wink
This month, darling, my time-traveling tutu and I are taking you on a trip to the 1950s! Get ready for some RockânâRoll and a fabulous explosion of colour. Until then, donât forget to keep it fab, keep it sassy, keep it pink, and never be afraid to throw a little shade!
Ciao for now,
Emma đ
