Oh darling, darlings, how do you do? Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where pink tutus and history collide! This month, your girl Emma is jetting us off on a right old adventure, all the way to 1934, and let me tell you, this date is a right old riot! I simply had to visit New York City and catch a show at The Empire State Building! Yes, you read that right, the legendary Empire State Building had its own cabaret, and it's as glam as you can imagine. Let me paint you a picture...
My magical pink tutu took me right to the very top of this magnificent building! Oh darling, the view is breathtaking! Itās just dazzling! You can see all of New York City sparkling below like a diamond in the sunlight. Just glorious.
Now, the 86th-floor cabaret at The Empire State Building is not just a show; it's an event! Imagine being nestled high above the city, cocktails flowing, and an orchestra playing jazz, with drag queens performing in a glittery, Art Deco wonderland. Honestly, the glamour! My pink tutu certainly turned some heads - it practically shimmered with the reflection of the city lights!
The whole evening was such a spectacle. I found myself caught up in the vibrancy and the excitement of this new era of entertainment. Just the thought of it makes my heart skip a beat. They just didnāt hold back in those days. It was a time of extravagance and creativity.
But letās talk about whatās happening in the world of drag on this very special 7th of July, 1934. Well, New York is positively bubbling with the best drag performers around. The big name to catch on this particular date is none other than La Belle Etoile! She is captivating the whole city with her performance at The Empire State Building cabaret, which runs every night but Mondays! La Belle Etoile is quite the performer ā she sings, she dances, she tells jokes ā she's a complete package! Now, you can see where drag has got its foundation in entertainment, right?
But New York isn't the only place buzzing with drag. Here in my dear old Derbyshire, we're not lagging behind. We've got some local lads putting on their best dresses at the Belmont Ballroom in Chesterfield every Thursday night! Now, this isn't exactly Broadway-esque glamour, but let me tell you, these boys are the life and soul of the party! There are no tutus on this side of the Pennines yet - not without a few stern looks from some Derbyshire mothers, bless their souls! Still, they manage to pack the dance floor every week. I must say, there's a certain kind of charm to the provincial scene. The heart and the camaraderie are just palpable, and they make it feel all the more special to watch. It's truly heartwarming to see people embrace their unique identities, even if it is a bit of fun and games in a dimly lit dance hall!
Now, Iāve mentioned La Belle Etoile and this Empire State Building performance, which was an absolutely stellar show! She even changed costumes four times throughout the performance!
This isn't just a fleeting glance at what is happening, darling, it's a reminder of how crucial the 1930s are in shaping drag as we know it. We are right on the precipice of new beginnings! Just think of the future - and the possibility of a full-length ballet with drag performers, dazzling costumes, and the incredible stories to tell through the grace and beauty of dance. Can you picture it? Oh darling, it's like my mind's going all over the place thinking about it, like I'm in my own fabulous version of a technicolor dream!
Now, I must tell you about another fantastic new performance that is hitting the London stage in 1934 - The first ever revue featuring drag performance! Itās called āDragsters' Delightā! The reviews have been amazing darling, with some going so far as to say āitās the most joyous, glittering performance ever on a London stageā ā darling! Weāre not just talking a quick, simple stage number, weāre talking two-hour spectacular performances, a cabaret and even more, with songs, costumes, music, choreography, even sets and special effects ā oh the glam! And the cast features, drumroll, "Millie Diamond", āDanny the Queenā and āRuby Lipstickā! Can you imagine it, dear? Absolutely phenomenal! And a new sensation is born!
Look at us going! We have so many talented performers popping up all over the globe ā all those dazzling gowns and feathers and glitter and rhinestonesā¦ I want to learn from every single one of them! And thenā¦well, you just wait and see. You all just wait until you get your eyes on my pink tutu!
Alright darling, now thatās enough about all this historical stuff for now! Let's get back to this month's trip, shall we? You know, it just wouldn't be a proper Pink-tutu.com adventure without some good old-fashioned shopping, so letās talk shopping! Now, in 1934, I found the most magnificent array of beaded bags and satin evening shoes! Oh darling, the sheer quantity of sparkle available in a small boutique on Broadway was simply overwhelming! I had to be dragged kicking and screaming back to my tutu to be transported home! It's simply impossible to travel in time without doing a little shopping, don't you think?
Alright darlings, itās getting late and itās time to get a little glam! Oh I'm off to see another amazing drag performance at the "Glitter and Glamour Cabaret Show". I have a hot pink gown waiting for me! Donāt worry darlings, you know Iāll be back next month with a new story for my little corner of the web - more about fashion, fun, and maybe another spectacular journey through time!
Love,
Emma š
P.S. I still can't get over the fact that those iconic cabaret venues existed in the 1930s. Isn't it so fabulous?!
P.P.S. Please follow me on @EmmaPinkTutu on all the socials for more drag fashion inspiration, drag queen stories, and lots and lots of pink!
And don't forget - Pink is the color of happiness. Put on your tutu and let's celebrate drag together!
