Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing, time-traveling drag queen Emma here, back with another post from my fabulous time-travelogue!
This month, I decided to hop in my magical pink tutu and shimmy my way to 1933. Paris, specifically. Oh la la!
February the 2nd, 1933. It's a chilly evening, a bit of a breeze, and the scent of freshly baked bread hangs in the air. And yes, you guessed it, I'm in my absolute favourite place â the Moulin Rouge.
As I sashayed through the doors of this Parisian landmark, my sparkly pink tutu attracting all the curious glances, the legendary cabaret was in full swing. Can you imagine, the dazzling stage was alive with feathers, sequins, and the most incredible choreography!
My jaw dropped, absolutely mesmerized, at the dancers, some dressed as exquisite Parisian women in flapper dresses, and others, just like me, were glorious drag queens. I swear, I could barely contain my excitement, the sheer volume of sequins alone could make a gal faint!
The first act started with a song called âParis, Paris.â Now, if you're anything like me, you already know the legendary "Moulin Rouge" itself wasn't just a theatre. It was practically a drag scene mecca!
Parisian Glamour & Glittery Legends
Paris in the 30s was all about style, darling! I can imagine myself at those infamous "Le Bal du Tout-Paris" â the society balls where everyone wore feathers and boas and glitter. And you know, a girl can dream, can't she?
While this trip was all about drag history, there's one performer, darling, that stood out like a jewel in a tiara. She wasn't on the Moulin Rouge stage this evening. Oh no, I am talking about one real diva - Mistinguett. This glamorous star, her costumes and moves influenced the entire world of drag, especially the Paris scene. A true icon of Parisian elegance.
Mistinguett was practically a drag legend herself. With her amazing voice, incredible fashion sense, and those show-stopping dance routines, she was making history before drag was even a widely used term. She owned the Parisian cabaret scene, and just like the Moulin Rouge, the "Folies Bergère" â was her other favourite stage.
She certainly taught me a lot about confidence. To think, she defied the odds as a glamorous female figure during a time when women were largely seen as confined to domesticity. You have to admire a lady who makes a statement!
A Quick Stop-Off at a Drag Scene Gem: Le Boeuf Sur le Toit
But wait! Before I jet-set back to Derbyshire, letâs make a quick detour, shall we? I canât just visit Paris and NOT go to another iconic stage! This time we're off to the charming "Le Boeuf Sur le Toit" (the Ox on the Roof) in Montmartre.
I just had to pop in, the costumes and stage performances here were fantastic! This tiny little theatre was where the big-time Paris drag acts practiced, they had to be seen on the right stage to get to those bigger venues like the Moulin Rouge.
There was so much inspiration here in 1933 Paris - from the Moulin Rouge, to the Folies Bergère, to "Le Boeuf Sur le Toitâ . It felt like a huge fashion parade and a drag showcase, all rolled into one, and I'm telling you, the fashions! Absolutely bonkers!
And just imagine, ladies, this is before drag became a thing. Can you picture it?
Lessons for Us Today?
From those Parisian legends to the present day drag scene, one thingâs clear - thereâs a unique artistry and dedication to fashion and showmanship. Just looking at the costumes on display at the Moulin Rouge in 1933, the costumes of the dancing Parisian women - you could tell, their beauty was part of a theatrical concept, the essence of performance.
It's about the power of costume and a love of music, it's about making a statement! It's an art form that's taken me on so many adventures, and I just canât wait to see where else my magic tutu takes me next.
Oh, and don't forget, my darlings! Pink is in, ALWAYS. You donât even need a magical tutu like mine for this look â just embrace your pink side and go for it! Maybe a pink tutu dress or even just a pink feather boa â youâll see that even in 1933, pink can be glamorous!
Until next month! And as always, keep twirling!
Emma
P.S. Have you spotted a Pink Tutu? I would love to hear your Pink Tutu adventures! Tell me all about them in the comments below.
(Emma, a self-described fashion enthusiast and blogger in her 20s from Derbyshire, England, spends her time traveling back in time with her magical Pink Tutu. Through her engaging and whimsical blog posts, she explores historical drag and celebrates the power of self-expression, always with a splash of pink, glitter, and a whole lot of camp! )**
