Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your fabulous pink tutu-wearing time-traveling companion! I'm thrilled to be back with you for another thrilling trip through the glorious annals of drag history. September 1935 – Oh, the glamour, the glitz, and the undeniable historical heft! I just knew this month's journey would be fabulous.
Let me tell you, babes, this time-traveling adventure is all thanks to you lovely lot! The drag shows are still going gangbusters and I’ve just bought myself a stunning new feathered headpiece - pink of course - from that exquisite millinery shop on Carnaby Street! I told you all, my fabulous performances pay for these thrilling journeys and that dazzling feather number has been drawing in the crowds. And trust me, this time-travel trip has been one for the books.
So, without further ado, let's twirl back to September 1935!
A Whirlwind in New York!
My dear, it was simply fabulous to find myself whisked away to the glittering heart of New York City, just as the 1935 World's Fair was opening! It was like a time capsule, full of breathtaking pavilions, gleaming wonders of engineering, and – my absolute favorite – the “Life at the Fair” exhibits!
Imagine my joy when I discovered the "Drag Ball" happening that evening. Picture this: gorgeous women of color adorned in their best flapper dresses, their sassy movements mesmerizing, their confidence captivating. There were singers belting out soulful tunes, dancers strutting their stuff, and an overall energy of joyous celebration that was just divine!
And you know me, darlings! I simply had to join the revelry! It wasn’t as if I could help myself, was it?
I donned my new shimmering pink tutu (a recent purchase at a lovely little shop in Greenwich Village) and slipped on some fantastically flashy shoes with pearl detailing – always a favourite! I am a ballerina at heart, you see, and let me tell you, even these gals in flapper dresses couldn't match my twirling finesse! I even charmed the drag stars of the evening, exchanging stories about the art of performance. They told me all about the Harlem drag scene – the talent was truly astonishing!
Oh, to have had a camera! To share these snapshots with you all would be divine! It's just a pity those first iPhones hadn't been invented yet. (Don’t worry, darling, I'm doing my bit to get one into the timeline!)
Crossing the Pond, with a Dash of Scandal!
The journey across the pond, to London town, was a delight! We cruised in the majestic “Queen Mary,” my dazzling pink tutu attracting plenty of attention – some even calling me “The Flying Pink Fairy!” It's the ultimate compliment for a tutu-clad traveler, don't you think?
Oh, I am just positively charmed by London’s art deco glamour. So much style! You know my darling, we made our way to Soho, the very heart of bohemian London – where even back in the 1930s, the drag scene was absolutely bursting!
The highlight? Oh, a delightful little cabaret club, just off Old Compton Street. It was hidden away, darling, almost secret. You would have loved it – plush red velvet seating, smoky dim lights, a vibrant, pulsating beat, and these fabulous cabaret artists dressed to the nines. I watched in awe as they performed, their voices weaving magic into the night air. Oh, the glamour! The costumes! The audaciousness! And just to see such expression of gender, so fluid, so unapologetically joyous! It really filled me with such pride for my art and for my life, oh darlings! I joined them, my own pink tutu standing out in that darkened space, adding another dimension to the artistry!
I also learned of a little theatre – oh, you would have just died for this darling – “The Theatre Royal,” also on Old Compton Street! Apparently, it’s infamous for scandalous burlesque, drag, and…dare I say it … “spicy” entertainment! The stories I was told were scandalous - think corsets and feather boas galore!
There were also tales whispered about a glamorous gathering called The Queen's Court on Tottenham Court Road! This was truly something, my darling. You’d never believe it but – if you had to have lived in London back then, it’s thought it would be the most fashionable and vibrant place to be – drag, dance, theatre and more. All I have to say is the drag scene in the 1930s London really, really had a life of its own!
And the best bit? I even heard mention of a fantastic performance – a true drag legend named “Danny La Rue.” The whole place was buzzing, everyone just positively smitten by the stories! You simply had to be there to feel the magic!
Paris: Fashion and Flair!
My journey through time led me to the enchanting streets of Paris – what a truly magnificent city, especially for a fashion enthusiast! Now you know, I do simply adore anything to do with ballet, and I just knew Paris, with its stunning ballet shows, had to be on my itinerary!
The ballet! Ah! I’ll never forget watching “Les Ballets Russes” at the Opéra Garnier – a symphony of motion, a glorious explosion of grace and precision! I couldn’t help myself! There I was, in my pink tutu, dancing along to the beautiful music with those phenomenal artists. (Don’t worry, no one noticed!) I just love to admire true elegance and this was truly one for the books, my darling.
Even more fabulous was the chance to witness a show by the “Moulin Rouge”! Imagine, darlings – feathered headdresses, extravagant costumes, sequins galore! I loved watching the gorgeous performers and dancing alongside them in the crowd! A spectacular experience!
My goodness! I had the most magnificent trip back to September 1935, oh darlings. But my travels weren't limited to these few glamorous stops. Imagine, we ventured to the breathtaking landscapes of China, experienced the vibrant artistic communities of Vienna, and even saw the incredible “International Exposition” in Milan! Oh, those fabulous fashion designers were putting out their most amazing creations - such fabulous, intricate designs. They have definitely inspired my own collection, that’s for sure. And to be able to connect with these incredible talents through time – truly incredible!
**Oh! I do have to leave you all, dear readers, and I can hardly wait for our next adventure together! Stay fabulous, embrace the pink, and don’t be afraid to twirl a little. Remember – you can follow my travels every month at www.pink-tutu.com. And I’ll leave you all with this – embrace the spirit of freedom and creativity - like a drag queen in her element, never let anyone put limits on your individuality, or tell you what you cannot achieve.
Until our next journey together, stay stylish, stay pink!
Emma xx
