Oh darling, hello! Emma here, your ever-so-fashionable, pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you back in time to the gloriously glittery 11th November, 1932! It's November, my darlings, and as always, the world's shimmering with the anticipation of the festive season. And where better to feel the thrill of a roaring good time than at the fabulous Cotton Club in Harlem?
Oh, my tutu was twirling with delight as I sashayed through the time portal - my dazzling pink tutu shimmered brighter than ever amongst the sparkling sequins and joyful chatter.
Now, darlings, let's rewind! Back in 1932, the world was abuzz with glamour. The Harlem Renaissance was reaching its peak, a cultural explosion overflowing with music, art, literature, and you guessed it – fabulous drag!
The Cotton Club, a dazzling gem of Harlem nightlife, was a magnet for stars. Think Duke Ellington, the Nicholas Brothers, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald... Oh, honey, the talent was positively bursting out of its seams! It was a time where every night promised dazzling performances, infectious rhythms, and an aura of thrilling possibility.
You know how much I adore seeing a good drag show, and the Cotton Club was overflowing with them! While technically a "straight" venue, "cross dressing" performers weren't uncommon in the African American community, and indeed they were even the norm in the vaudeville scene! From the glorious drag queens who commanded the stage with their stunning dance numbers, to the cabaret acts, everything glittered, shimmied, and roared with life.
Imagine a drag queen called "Baby" Grace – now she was a fierce queen. She had that undeniable sass and stage presence! She was part of "The Cotton Club All-Stars", a dazzling group of performers who graced the club with their talents. The music was a joyous blend of jazz and swing – it got the entire room bouncing and buzzing with excitement!
Now, darling, even back then, drag queens had their secrets! You know I just love a little insider tea, so here’s a juicy one. You see, whilst we enjoyed the sparkle of the Cotton Club, it's also important to note that this era was steeped in its share of prejudice. Unfortunately, some drag queens were subjected to unfair laws and social pressures – "a drag queen" being a particularly potent insult, sadly.
It's a good reminder that despite the dazzling allure, history wasn't always rainbows and glitter, darlings.
However, it’s not just about the glamour and sparkle, though that is a significant part! The legacy of those fearless drag queens of 1932 has inspired countless performers to break boundaries, embrace individuality, and create a space for expression and acceptance.
They pave the way for every one of us! Even a tutu-loving, time-travelling blogger from Derbyshire, like yours truly. They remind us that the power of drag transcends time!
The message I took away, honey, is that in 1932, just like today, the world is hungry for joy, for freedom of expression, and for a little bit of that divine sparkle! It reminds me why my aim is to get everyone in a pink tutu – it's about spreading a little bit of magic and reminding ourselves that it’s absolutely okay to just embrace a little bit of whimsy!
And just to remind you, darling, all my travels and sparkly escapades are funded by the fabulous drag shows I put on – come see a performance by me, and we'll shimmy the night away! And don’t forget to check back next month for my next adventure on the world of drag! And, darling, let’s all spread that tutu love – maybe the world could use a bit of pink!
Love, always,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
