Hello my gorgeous darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling, drag-obsessed diva, back for another whirl through the wonders of drag history! This month, my magical tutu has whisked me to 1934, and honey, let me tell you, the drag scene was poppin' off like a bottle of champagne on New Year's Eve!
I've been meaning to visit this era for ages. Imagine, 1934! The world was still getting used to the glamorous roaring 20s and a new, exciting decade was dawning! Imagine the possibilities!
Before we jump right into the fun, a quick reminder, you gorgeous bunch! Every month, your fabulous girl Emma takes a trip back through time, all thanks to my magical pink tutu. A new post on my www.pink-tutu.com blog each month, so if you want to journey alongside me, then subscribe now, you absolute stars!
And the big question you're all dying to ask! How does a humble (yet glamorous) drag queen like me afford such time-bending shenanigans? Well, darling, it's all thanks to my stellar drag performances! You can see me on the Derbyshire drag scene – I can't wait to meet all of you and hear all your juicy gossip!
But enough about me, it's all about you lovely readers and, more importantly, it’s about the DRAG! So, what did my tutu take me to in June 1934?
Paris! The Heart of Drag
1934 Paris, oh honey, it was just dripping with style! The city of love, art, and glamour – and oh, my sweet, it's an absolute hotbed of drag! It was a heady time. Paris in the 1930s had this decadent energy that resonated through every alley and café. The whole world looked to Paris as the place to be seen and drag artists, both professional and just for kicks, really flourished in this time of social and artistic change!
A Peek Behind The Curtain - "The Grand Tour"
Imagine strolling through Montmartre, stopping by Le Lapin Agile – a legendary cabaret where famous artists hung out, enjoying bohemian vibes and burlesque. The scene was packed! All the talk was about "The Grand Tour," a show featuring Madame Arthur and a troupe of amazing women. You know I had to get front row seats. Imagine: dazzling costumes, fabulous feathers, and singing, dancing, and acting – and the crowd was going wild. Imagine those glamorous costumes, the glittery feathers, the music, the singing and dancing – simply captivating.
The Glam of Josephine Baker
As we’re on the topic of Paris, how could we possibly miss the divine Miss Josephine Baker! 1934 and she was already an international superstar. She brought that unique mix of elegance and showmanship to drag performance in a way no one could emulate. Let's be real, those costumes! From the bright banana skirt in "La Revue Nègre" to her iconic black chiffon "Black and White" look, it was simply perfection! Her charisma, her moves, her style, everything!
I had to channel her, honey! That night in 1934, I even tried a tiny banana skirt under my pink tutu – totally worked, even if it made getting up the stairs a challenge! I still feel that iconic power when I see pictures of Josephine. She reminds me to always celebrate who I am, flaunt it with confidence and just be fabulous.
Drag Kings are Everywhere!
In Paris, we also had drag kings taking the scene by storm, like the famous Mademoiselle Chanel who, though she wasn't necessarily known for drag in the way we think of it, she really brought the “manly woman” concept into popular culture. Just think about those sleek, sharp trousers and menswear styles - she practically defined the drag king aesthetic decades before it truly became a "thing" .
It's just another reminder that drag, in all its forms, has always existed – it’s not a fad, it's part of the social tapestry of expression.
From Paris To London - "The Red Mill"
My pink tutu took me to London too. And honey, the stage was ablaze! “The Red Mill" was a major hit. This show, based on the music of the talented duo Ivan Caryll and Lionel Monckton, is one for the books, literally. It had all the ingredients – amazing choreography, catchy music, and lots of drag to add a touch of fabulous to the show! The audience was mesmerized, the air was electrifying. I swear I saw one lady’s feather boa fly off her shoulder and land right in the lead singer’s hands! Now that's what I call a stage presence, darling.
Glam, Glitter, and Glitz – The Drag Street Scene
Drag wasn’t just limited to stage and theater back then. The drag scene was popping on the streets, especially in major cities. There were all these stylish salons, where drag performers worked as hairdressers and manicurists, always impeccably made up. Then there were those drag queens who used to dress in drag just for everyday life – the true fashion trailblazers who dared to push the boundaries of gender and style, and make a statement with every single step they took! Can you imagine? The sass on a Saturday afternoon walking down the high street! These were women who embraced the “show” in their own way. They embraced femininity, they loved the clothes and, yes, sometimes, even those flamboyant, oversized pink tutus. Think "Breakfast at Tiffany’s," but with a more glamorous twist.
Back to My World – Drag In Derbyshire!
I have to admit, when my tutu jetted me back to present-day Derbyshire, I felt a little melancholy. 1934 felt like it was filled with energy, glamour and so much freedom for drag artists. But of course, my dear readers, drag continues to shine!
And what a time we are living in! The world of drag is bigger than ever – on stage, in theaters, in movies, on tv, and, my favorite of all, on social media! It’s a glorious time for expression. We’re making progress, celebrating the freedom to be our most fabulous selves and, as you know, that means the future of drag is incredibly bright.
But back in the real world, Derbyshire needs more pink tutus, I say! So, here's the deal – you beautiful lot, my drag darlings! You’re ready for a real adventure – it's time to turn our community, our streets, our homes and even our Derbyshire, into the place for vibrant drag expression.
If we don’t create it, darling, then who will?
Get on that pink, and I'll be right there beside you. Don't be shy, take your first step with us and become part of a generation of fabulous Derbyshire drag artists. Because, honey, that's the true beauty of drag, we build it, we own it, and we celebrate it. Every step of the way.
And that’s all from me for now, my lovelies! Stay fabulous!
Keep watching this space,
Your Time Traveling Tutu Gal
Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
