Hello, darlings! Welcome to my blog, Pink Tutu Travels, the place where we journey through time and learn about the gloriously glamorous world of drag history. This is post number 188, and today, I'm twirling back to 8th August 1935, to the City of Lights, Paris.
Now, I must confess, my recent time travels haven't been quite so... glamorous. My time machine (this fantastic pink tutu with magical sparkles!) has been having a spot of trouble with the coordinates, you see. One minute I was waltzing with Marlene Dietrich in 1930s Berlin, the next I was stuck in a swamp with dinosaurs! Talk about a wardrobe malfunction!
But worry not, lovelies! Iâm back on track. The past few days have been spent meticulously recalibrating the tutuâs time-traveling properties. And, guess what? Iâm finally back in Paris, my favourite city of all!
Oh lĂ lĂ , Paris in 1935 - What a sight!
The streets are buzzing with a cosmopolitan energy. Fashionistas are decked out in their finest Parisian chic â silk dresses with flamboyant colours, bold hats adorned with feathers and pearls. It's the era of art deco, with elegant curves and shimmering textures. Just like the sequins on my very own tutu!
And speaking of tutus, darling! You wonât believe this, but on the 8th of August 1935, Paris is playing host to an event thatâs truly out of this world. Itâs not a drag show, no, it's something far more spectacular...
The legendary Folies Bergère!
Imagine a magnificent stage bathed in shimmering spotlights, adorned with ornate, theatrical costumes. This is where Parisian nightlife reaches its peak, where elegance and audacity intertwine. And within the grand ballroom of the Folies, a talented group of performers known as âLes Girlsâ are mesmerizing the Parisian audiences with their show-stopping performances.
Think high kicks, glittering gowns, and some truly captivating burlesque routines. Now, this isnât drag in the modern sense â they wouldnât be out there in drag today - but you canât deny the dazzling theatrical performance, the commitment to entertaining an audience with wit, glamour, and daring spectacle. The very essence of entertainment! The ladies of the Folies were paving the way for a lot of the drag history we love and appreciate today!
Itâs so interesting, seeing how things were evolving at this point. Of course, there wasnât the same understanding or visibility as we have now, but itâs fascinating to watch the groundwork being laid, and the confidence that some of these entertainers were expressing at that time. They werenât just performers, they were defying convention and challenging social norms, bringing an element of daring and rebellious joy to the city! And we can see it reflected in some of the drag queens of today who draw upon that same spirit of artistic audacity!
Oh, and speaking of artists, darling, I am just about to witness a spectacular performance by the one and only Josephine Baker!
This remarkable woman is one of the true legends of the stage! And she is known for a spectacular stage show called "La Revue Nègre", which has captivated audiences worldwide with its mix of music, dance and costumes. Josephine, in her all-black outfits with shimmering feathers, was a woman who truly made history in drag, showing audiences what it meant to be brave, to be glamorous, and to own your unique beauty!
The Folies Bergère is a testament to the timeless magic of entertainment. It reminds us that regardless of era, there will always be performers pushing boundaries, challenging expectations and leaving audiences spellbound. And whatâs more important to a drag queen like myself? Thatâs why I always encourage you all to visit local shows, to experience that spark of connection thatâs at the very heart of drag!
But darling, no time for me to sit and reminisce about the past... my tutu is calling!
Iâve just been invited to a secret soirĂŠe at a local cabaret in the Marais district of Paris! They are throwing a themed party and I canât wait! You can be sure Iâll be showing off a new feather boa with some bright pink accents!
Speaking of new trends, let me know what you lovely ladies think of the current Paris fashion trends in the comments below. Do you think we could pull off some of the Art Deco fashions on the drag scene today?
Donât forget, you can visit the world of Pink Tutu Travels over at www.pink-tutu.com! Until next month darlings! Keep shining and keep those tutus twirling!
Love and feathers, Emma
