Hello darlings, and welcome to another scintillating journey through time with your favourite pink-tutu-clad adventurer! I'm Emma, your guide to the glittering, fabulous world of Drag Queen History, and today, we're whisking ourselves back to 6th June 1936. Buckle up, loves, because we're about to dive headfirst into the dazzling scene that was drag back in the glorious days of the Thirties.
Now, I know what you're thinking - how does one actually travel in time, you ask? Well, it's a bit of a family secret, but it involves a certain magical, time-traveling pink tutu that my fabulous Nana gifted me (it's been in the family for generations - quite literally). This fabulous piece of tulle acts as my time machine, allowing me to dip in and out of history, catching glimpses of drag queens, queens, and other theatrical extravaganzas from decades past.
So, imagine my excitement when I finally got to pop into 1936! Just think of it, my darlings - flapper dresses, glamorous bobs, and an era bursting with energy. What a show! I sashayed into the scene, feeling like the Queen of Sheba (but in pink, of course), and boy oh boy, was I in for a treat!
My first stop? A glamorous burlesque theatre right in the heart of London! Oh, the energy in there was electric! You had the gorgeous, talented ladies - think sequins, tassels, feathers galore - putting on a show that had everyone on their feet, clapping along, and screaming with delight! Now, we're not talking the drag shows of today (with lip-syncs and elaborate productions), but something even more intimate and raw. We're talking about true burlesque, a bit naughty, a bit silly, and absolutely thrilling. They definitely knew how to put on a show, let me tell you!
And just to make the whole affair even more fabulously pink (because everything has to be a little extra for Emma, darlings!), imagine the fabulous audience in their finest dresses, smoking their long cigarette holders and enjoying a night out with their loved ones. They all knew the words, and each show seemed to have a different theme, from cowboys to sailors. It truly was a spectacle!
And you know, these women weren’t afraid to embrace who they were. They were confidently owning their womanhood, taking the stage with flair, and showcasing a level of empowerment that’s inspiring, even for us decades later. There was something so authentic about the experience - the music, the dances, the witty repartee.
I found myself wanting to stay a bit longer, to get into the spirit of the era, to perhaps learn a dance move or two. But sadly, my tutu can't stay for eternity, no matter how glamorous the night! Time had a rendezvous with me back in the 21st century. So, I gracefully took my leave and hopped back onto my time-traveling fabric. But before I zipped back into my own time, I just had to take a quick pitstop for some vintage shopping!
I'm talking fabulous hats, feather boas, long satin gloves, and the most divine pair of shoes I'd ever laid my eyes on (pink, of course)! Just picture the perfect pastel pink silk gloves, paired with an incredible sequined top - I left the shop looking as fabulous as a vintage Hollywood starlet. This, my dears, is the true magic of travelling through time! The opportunity to dress up, embrace the fashions, and be swept away by the magic of the past!
Speaking of magic, another little fun fact that I gleaned on this trip is the origin of the phrase, "Drag me to the nearest bar!" This phrase, according to my sources (a well-dressed old chap at the theatre - we'll call him Gilbert), actually dates back to these burlesque days, with patrons using this fun, slightly cheeky, saying when they wanted to 'drag' the performers to their local pub! Imagine it! Now that's what we call true nightlife.
So there you have it, dearies! My fabulous escapade into the fabulous world of drag in 1936. Now, I have to go, darling, because my day job awaits. I'm off to a drag show to perform myself. And of course, I'm wearing my pink tutu. I’m hoping to make enough money to take my next time-travelling journey to the glorious year of 1948! We'll explore the fascinating drag scenes, discover the exciting stories, and hopefully find some more fashion treasures (ahem, a new dress for my next trip to 1948?).
Don’t forget, dearies, visit www.pink-tutu.com for my monthly time-traveling tales, and to share your own vintage drag adventures. Remember, it's all about celebrating drag, and showing the world that tutus really do rule! See you next time!
Love, Emma
P.S. A reminder, darlings - remember, the most important part is spreading the love! Share your thoughts on today's trip! Have you ever wanted to time travel to the 30s? Are you feeling inspired to slip into a tutu? Leave a comment below and let’s spread the magic of drag!
