Hiya darlings! Your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling, drag-obsessed Emma here, fresh from another delightful jaunt through the annals of drag history. November the 11th, 1936? Ooh, let me tell you, this was a right royal hoot! You know I always say, there's something so utterly magical about travelling through time in this pink tutu of mine (don't tell my stylist but it really is starting to see a bit of wear!). This time I landed slap-bang in the heart of New York City, right in the middle of a roaring good time.
Now, you might think 1936 wasn't the peak of drag performance - it wasn't exactly the era of "RuPaul's Drag Race", after all, but trust me, my darlings, this was drag done right. I mean, just imagine this: Prohibition is in full swing, meaning speakeasies are bubbling with all kinds of hidden gems. The city's abuzz with glamour, a thrilling mix of Broadway theatrics and a thriving underground cabaret scene. And what's even more fab? Well, women are slowly stepping out of their corsets and into a new era of liberation. It's a fantastic time to be a fabulous drag performer!
Firstly, I found myself at a real treat: The Follies Bergère - think glitz, glamour, and an abundance of dancing girls, some dressed in the most wonderful costumes you ever did see! Oh, my darlings, the feather boas, the sequins, the high-kick routines...pure theatrical bliss! It wasn't just the dancing that caught my eye though - this was truly a drag haven, featuring a host of wonderful performers dressed up to the nines! Imagine the glamour! You can imagine a bevy of beautiful girls singing and shimmying on a grand stage under glittering chandeliers - and then, in the midst of all the sparkles, a dash of outrageous drag! The boys and girls were clearly loving it, giving a resounding round of applause that almost made my sequins shimmy. Now, imagine that scene... and then picture your very own fabulous, pink-tutu-clad self twirling in amongst those dancers - that's pure heaven, isn't it?
My adventure continued at The Cotton Club, a real iconic spot back then - talk about legendary! The atmosphere was electric - jazz, swing, and tap-dancing galore! I can just imagine those feet tapping to the rhythm of the live bands, the smoky haze filling the room, and the sheer thrill of it all. This was where it was at! You'll be shocked, darlings, to hear that the biggest stars were in town for this one! Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, they were all there, turning up the volume and setting the stage on fire. Honestly, it's the most fun I've had on a time-traveling escapade! I was doing the Charleston with everyone in the house - those 1930s moves are still my favourite!
As much as I adore seeing shows, a trip wouldn't be complete without a bit of shopping, wouldn't it? Now, you all know how much I love me a good boutique! So, after a delicious "Highball" cocktail, I had to find out what New York had in store for a glamorous drag queen on a budget - oh my, it was pure heaven! From elegant boutiques to more vintage style stalls, the stores of 1930s New York oozed a decadent charm! Oh, my dears! You just have to imagine, you can find absolutely everything a stylish drag queen needs! I found myself browsing silk scarves, vintage hats (don't you just adore them?!) and gorgeous long beaded necklaces. I even picked up a feather boa at a bargain and some real cute heels to match - I simply adore the styles from this era. If it wasn't for this blasted tutu, I would have gone wild in the shops. The fabrics alone, darling! Every shop was bursting with vibrant colors, sparkling patterns and textures that were simply begging to be touched and admired. I can't help thinking those old stores were bursting with vintage charm and character... Oh my, how I long to see something like that again!
Honestly, dear darlings, I spent the whole night flitting about like a butterfly in my tutu, soaking up the energy, admiring the fantastic costumes, and dancing with the fabulous crowd. You can tell me all about the big Drag Race queens, but nothing beats the raw energy and spontaneity of those vintage shows. Oh, don't worry, I have my camera with me - plenty of pictures to share for my followers to swoon over. But do you know what? I’m already counting down the days till my next trip - maybe I'll go check out a little Parisian cabaret or find a disco in the 70s...or, who knows? I might even visit a 1980s NYC club night. It's all part of the magic, darling. After all, the future of drag is just as fascinating as its past, and there's no limit to how far a pink tutu can take you, you know! Until next time darlings, make sure you keep spreading that pink-tutu-loving spirit. After all, that's what this whole blog is all about. And don't forget, to subscribe to my channel! Xoxo, Emma.
