#DragQueenHistory #PinkTutuTravels #178
Hello darling divas and handsome hunks, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet! Emma here, your glamorous guide through the thrilling history of drag, ready to sprinkle some sparkle on your Tuesday.
October 10th, 1934. Can you even imagine?! Today we're twirling our way back to the roaring 1930s. Grab your pearls, your feather boas, and your favourite shade of pink because, well, darling, it's gonna be a real showstopper!
This month, my magical pink tutu took me to the heart of New York City, the centre of the entertainment world in those days. Now, you know I love my sequins, my heels, and a good dramatic entrance, but the sheer audacity and showmanship of drag queens in the 1930s was truly inspirational.
Let’s talk fashion for a moment. Imagine a world of glitzy, elaborate gowns, with feathered hats, gloves, and a whole lotta glam. The costumes back then were just breathtaking, dripping in theatrical elegance, and oozing an incredible amount of personality. You could find everything from glamorous flapper girls to sophisticated society ladies, all strutting their stuff on stage and capturing the hearts (and attention) of the crowds.
Imagine this, darlings: It's a Saturday night in Harlem, the music is swinging, and you're seated at a table with a gin and tonic in one hand, a glamorous gentleman in a velvet suit with a feather boa in the other hand, while some phenomenal performer in a full-length gown is belting out a Broadway tune with every ounce of her dazzling existence! It’s like a dream!
There were several types of drag queens around at this time, with their own unique performances and appearances. “Female impersonators” often performed in cabaret venues like the iconic "The Plantation Club" in New York City.
The "Ballerina Boy" drag acts were incredibly popular too. Picture, if you will, an extravagantly dressed gentleman, adorned in elaborate, colorful costumes with stunning makeup, dancing with grace and flair. The glamour! The drama! It was something else, darlings.
Now, darling, don't be mistaken; drag back then wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. While a thriving cabaret and performance scene existed, particularly in New York, the stigma associated with being different, with defying societal norms, was very real. The police had a way of dropping by and causing trouble, reminding the queens that being "different" was a risky business. **But even in the face of that, the spirit of drag shone brightly! These performers weren't just dancing and singing - they were using their talent and their platform to celebrate their unique expression and defiance in a way that would inspire future generations of drag icons.
Of course, the highlight of my trip to the 1930s was finding a hidden drag show. I'm talking a little speakeasy tucked away in the city’s shadows, buzzing with energy and hidden delights!
And oh, my dears, let me tell you about the fashion! Picture a kaleidoscope of colourful costumes, from floor-length gowns with sequined embellishments to sparkly hats and glittery shoes. It was a feast for the eyes, darling! And then, there were the makeup, feathers, jewels, and dazzling accessories. It was just heavenly!
But what really captivated me was the energy, the pure joy of performance that shone through these remarkable people. They weren't just acting, they were expressing a side of themselves that wouldn't be accepted in a world still very much trying to confine everyone into pre-defined boxes. It's all about pushing boundaries, darling!
After a night of dazzling performances and the warmth of a genuine drag family, I bid farewell to the vibrant, courageous queens of 1934.
*Today, we have a legacy that we can celebrate. And honestly, we should! I can see these powerful performers cheering me on from the other side of the celestial stage. So many great entertainers helped carve the way, even through challenges. I don't think they knew it would inspire people like me to time travel and help more and more folks put on a pink tutu, so keep doing your thing darling! We all learn and grow from each other. *
Until next month, darling. Keep your sequins sparkly, and your confidence higher! Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com, we've got a new line of vintage-inspired tutus to add some flair to your fabulous look.
And always remember, darlings: Life is a stage, and everyone has a role to play. So twirl on! And don't be afraid to let your fabulousness shine!
With Love & Sequins, Emma, the pink tutu princess of time!
*Remember, darling! Keep the conversation going. *
- Do you have any amazing memories from your own drag experiences?
- What's your favorite historical drag moment?
- Have you got a favourite historical drag icon? We love hearing your stories. Leave a comment below.
*Disclaimer: While inspired by the history of drag, the fictional world of Emma’s “Pink Tutu Time Travels” has been designed to provide a light-hearted and engaging reading experience for all. **
