Hiya Darlings! Your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, is back for another trip down memory lane!
Itâs the 5th of May, 1937 and guess where I've found myself? That's right, New York City! The Big Apple! Now, this particular journey wasnât planned, it just sort ofâŚhappened. You see, my time travel tutu, "Pink Paradise" (yes, Iâm terribly fond of her), is a bit of a rebel and likes to take detours when I least expect it. I think she likes the element of surprise, bless her fluffy little tutu heart.
So, here I am, 1937! All those glamourous pictures I've seen of New York from this era, with the glamorous ladies in their feather boas and shimmering dresses, are all around me! The energy here is electric. Itâs the air of a city about to explode with creativity and change. This cityâs streets are dripping in glamour and art deco brilliance and you just know thereâs something magnificent happening around every corner.
But of course, my dear readers, a pink tutu-clad time traveller is here for one reason - drag! So I set about discovering what the scene was like in 1937 NYC, and let me tell you, itâs already fierce.
New York City, 1937 - A Drag Scene BloomingThere are plenty of exciting things going on! For instance, the Follies Bergere at the beautiful RKO Roxy Theatre, on 51st Street. The show itself was quite opulent, with a mix of ballet, vaudeville, and music. The stars of the show were a chorus line of beautiful dancers (both women and drag queens - no shame in the game!) and a troupe of charming clowns, like the talented drag king Kiki DeVille. This Kiki, sheâs an icon! She can turn a double take with a wink! A queen of her own right with an incredible comedic talent that just floors you!
Speaking of legendary talent, Jimmy Dorseyâs Orchestra was headlining at the Palace Theatre â now that's something worth writing home about! These boys knew how to swing.
And over in the Roseland Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan, a venue so legendary it has seen both Marlene Dietrich and Gypsy Rose Lee! There was an absolute ball in full swing. Imagine all that feather boa-draped glamour! The energy of these events, the music, the laughterâŚyou can practically hear it echoing through the streets even now.
And don't get me started on the drag balls in Harlem. In these balls, there's a celebration of femininity, style and grace, it was amazing. It reminded me of some of the spectacular balls I used to frequent in Derby back in my day!
However, this scene wasn't just confined to the theatre or the ballroom, it was buzzing through the streets too! I discovered these amazing little cabaret joints that popped up like magic in between the glamour of Broadway, like the Town Tavern, tucked away in a cozy corner of New York, and oh my darlings, the Dixie Ballroom with all those swingin' good times â those places are an absolute explosion of character and energy! Just a little walk down the street, and you'd see these guys, with all their glitz and sass, strolling by in their best feathered boas, just a part of the day. It's incredible.
Now I may be from Derbyshire, but thereâs just something about that Big Apple swagger. Those New Yorkers! All that confidence and style! I tell you what, that style of "anything goesâ and the confidence in individuality that these guys were emanating, I had to grab ahold of that energy and just breathe it in!
Finding My Inspiration in the 1930s Drag sceneI don't think I can express just how important this time travel journey is for me. To see this exciting period, where drag queens are not just on the fringes, but a part of the life and culture of the city... It's empowering! Imagine seeing queens strutting their stuff right next to your favourite starlets! You can't beat it, dear darlings, and I donât think they can either.
They were fearless. They were bold. Their fashion was all about expression â everything from fabulous feathered gowns, those spectacular top hats (just divine!), and glittering embellishments, you name it, theyâve got it! These guys were trailblazers! You see that boldness of spirit and that defiant love of theatricality shines through even today.
You can feel the creativity of those times spilling onto the streets, making the city so alive. And you know what? Seeing those bold queens, their talent, their style and that glorious spirit, I'm already dreaming up new ideas for my next show at "The Pink Tutu Club." Maybe a 1930s glam theme? Hmmm, so many optionsâŚ
So there you have it darlings, another adventure with your favorite pink tutu-wearing time traveler! It seems like every trip brings me new inspiration, new ideas, and new dreams.
Until next month darlings! Donât forget to check out our website www.pink-tutu.com and share your stories! Tell me, where are your time travel fantasies taking you? Remember, the world of drag has always been brimming with color, style, and incredible talent - just waiting to be discovered.
Oh, and never stop wearing pink, and keep on dreamin' darlings! Love, Emma xoxo
