Hiya darlings! It's your favourite Derbyshire drag queen, Emma, here, back from another time-traveling adventure! My latest jaunt landed me in glamorous 1935, right in the heart of Paris! I landed (or rather pirouetted, 'cause what else would a tutu-loving queen do?) outside the legendary Moulin Rouge, and let me tell you, darling, the excitement was electric!
Now, before we get into all the glitz and glamour of that night, let's rewind a little. I'd been planning this trip for months, fuelled by countless cups of pink-tinted tea and dreamy nights spent flicking through old photographs of the Moulin Rouge. See, darling, this wasn't just any old drag show - it was the Moulin Rouge's legendary revue featuring the divine, fabulous Josephine Baker herself! I mean, how could I not jump at the chance to see a performance by one of the most iconic figures in drag history? She truly embodies the spirit of fabulousness, with her glittering costumes, captivating performances, and undeniable charisma.
As I entered the Moulin Rouge, a wave of sheer Parisian magic washed over me. The red velvet interiors, the glistening chandeliers, and the energy buzzing through the air made me want to dance right then and there! The music, oh darling, the music! It was a vibrant, joyous blend of cabaret, jazz, and even a touch of vaudeville that got the crowd swaying from the very first note.
I slipped into my most fabulous pink tutu - the one with the extra frills, if you know what I mean - and joined the lively audience, which was an eclectic mix of aristocrats, artists, and ordinary folk alike, all mesmerized by the spectacle unfolding on stage.
And then, it happened. Josephine Baker made her grand entrance. My jaw nearly hit the floor! The energy in the room shifted as the crowd erupted into cheers, whistles, and the loudest applause I'd ever heard. She truly was a force of nature.
Josephine Bakerās performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Imagine a dazzling ensemble of feathered costumes, glittering sequins, and a playful blend of jazz and cabaret ā all intertwined with a show-stopping stage presence that would leave even the most jaded drag queen in awe. She danced, she sang, she charmed the audience with her wit, and she owned the stage with an undeniable confidence.
I spent the entire night mesmerized, my eyes glued to every move Josephine made. I soaked up the energy of the Moulin Rouge and felt an overwhelming sense of joy and celebration for drag and its transformative power.
Now, you might be wondering, darling, why I choose to visit the past? What does drag in 1935 tell us about our own drag scene today? Well, it's about the constant evolution of drag, its incredible adaptability and its enduring capacity to both reflect and subvert social norms. Even in an era where drag queens werenāt openly celebrated, Josephine Baker's fearless spirit, her daring performances, and her acceptance of self paved the way for generations of drag queens who followed.
The truth is, darling, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to figures like Josephine Baker. They werenāt just entertainers; they were pioneers, challenging expectations and making a stand for authenticity, a message that continues to resonate deeply in the world of drag today.
This isn't about just fancy clothes, darling, although a fabulous pink tutu will always have a place in my heart. It's about celebrating our creativity, finding our power, and refusing to let societal norms stifle our expression. It's about channeling our inner sass, making a statement with every performance, and reclaiming our narrative on our own terms.
So, if you're ever feeling like the world is a little too serious, or if you're lacking a little bit of glitter in your life, remember Josephine Baker. Remember the joy and magic that drag brings, and channel the spirit of the Moulin Rouge in your own fabulous, individual way. And, darling, letās keep those pink tutus flying high! Thatās what makes the world a brighter place, don't you think?
P.S. I also found an adorable pink beret with a delicate pearl on top at a vintage boutique near the Moulin Rouge. Think you should add a dash of pink beret to your look, darling!
Much love,
Emma
(P.P.S. Donāt forget to catch my drag show next Friday at the Glitter Dome in Derbyshire! Iāve been practicing my signature āPink Paradiseā routine all month ā prepare for dazzling costumes and extra fabulous pirouettes! And yes, pink tutus will be involved! )
