Hey sweeties! It's Emma here, your resident time-travelling tutu enthusiast, bringing you another delightful delve into the dazzling history of drag! March the 3rd, 1933 â what a fabulously fashionable date, don't you think? Let's waltz back to the 1930s, darlings, with a grand tour of the world's drag scene â all seen through the lens of my oh-so-pink tutu, naturally!
You see, my lovelies, this month my pink time-travelling tutu spun me straight to the vibrant heart of New York City. Can you imagine? It was a time of such style, such elegance! The Roaring Twenties may have been over, but the fabulousness definitely lingered. Think sequins, cloche hats, feather boas, and an air of decadence that made the whole city buzz. The stage was literally set for an extravaganza of drag, dear friends!
The Fabulous Folies Bergère!
I landed right in the middle of Times Square, surrounded by neon lights and dazzling marquees. One shimmering sign grabbed my attention: the legendary Folies Bergère. A whole theatre dedicated to beautiful shows with some of the most incredible costumes and performances â how could I resist?!
My heart skipped a beat as I stepped inside, and oh my darling, the spectacle was absolutely glorious. Feathers, sequins, shimmering dresses - the place was positively dripping with glamour! And, of course, there was the dancing. Oh, the dancing! Legs like silk, swirling gowns, the most captivating moves⌠It was all about femininity, celebrating beauty, and reminding everyone that there was a touch of fabulousness to be found in every single person.
The stage was filled with an array of performers â some were straight-up cabaret stars, while others blurred the lines of gender identity with their performance. I can't tell you the names â my time travel tutu isn't quite a magic portal of information â but the air was buzzing with a joy and acceptance that was frankly inspiring. The audiences were completely enraptured! They were lapping up the fabulous energy!
Now, I know what youâre thinking, sweeties â 1933? That must have been a little bit, well, dangerous, right? And you're right, darlings, the social scene was certainlyâŚcomplex. But within the hidden spaces, behind closed doors, and the glamour of the theatres, there was this undeniable spark of freedom. These performers weren't afraid to show the world their truth, their glamour, their joy, and their undeniable love of life, all wrapped up in beautiful, vibrant costumes. They defied expectations, redefined beauty, and let me tell you, they looked sensational doing it.
Finding The Fun
The world of drag back then was a little different. It wasnât a mainstream phenomenon like it is now, but the underground scene was thriving. I spotted some hidden speakeasies, full of performers and laughter. There were "cabaret shows," âvaudeville acts,â âgender-bending variety performances" â the names might have been different, but the spirit was pure, glittery, and absolutely exhilarating.
And speaking of sequins and glitter, oh my lovelies, the fashion was to die for! You know, I'm not afraid to admit I fell head over heels for the bold colours, the elaborate hats, the daring cuts, the flapper dressesâŚand then I saw those feather boas! The entire city seemed to be embracing the glamour, but it was on the stage that these looks really came alive. You could feel the energy, the thrill, the sheer fabulousness pulsating from every single performance!
I had to snag some treasures from a vintage shop while I was there â let's be honest, a girlâs gotta accessorize! My own pink tutu stood out against the vintage black velvet and emerald green sequins. I even picked up a feathery boa with feathers in all the shades of the rainbow. Let's just say, my fellow time travelers, I definitely stepped out of that store feeling absolutely fierce!
Drag History On My Feet
So there you have it, my darlings â a sneak peek into the 1930s drag scene! It was truly an era of transformative performance and fearless expression. It may not have been the same kind of open, mainstream movement we see today, but it certainly lit a flame that burns brightly in the world of drag we know and love.
Of course, while Iâm on the subject, I must also talk about the history of drag, not just the fashion or the shows! It's fascinating, my darlings, how drag has always evolved. And that evolution is definitely an important story to tell. Itâs about creativity, artistry, freedom, acceptanceâŚbut it's also about challenge, resilience, and the fight for equality.
My journey through time continues! I've seen the past, but itâs the future Iâm here to help build. I truly believe that we can all embrace the spirit of drag â the acceptance, the expression, and of course, the fabulous fashion â and make the world a brighter, more glittery, more pink-tutu-fied place!
Join me next month for another installment of the Pink Tutu Time Travels, my darlings. Until then, keep it fabulous, and keep it pink!
Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
