Hello darlings! Itās Emma, your glamorous gal from Derbyshire, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! Todayās a special one, a September splendour! Buckle up, because weāre taking a jaunt back to 1937ā¦ oh darling, you wonāt believe what we found!
So, 9th of September, 1937ā¦ a Tuesday, I think, although, you know me, details, detailsā¦ itās all about the sparkle and sass, darling! This month, my oh-so-magical pink tutu took me straight to the heart of New York City! You see, the 1930s, oh, they were something else! It was all about glitz, glamour, and the burgeoning art of drag. Imagine the energy, the sheer creativity, the fierce fashion statementsā¦ swoon.
We all know drag has always existed, right? Itās a thread woven through the history of human expression. But it was the 1930s that really started to bring drag into the mainstream. Can you believe it?!
This month, I was particularly interested in one scene: a drag ball thrown at the Hotel Pennsylvania! My, oh myā¦ the excitement was off the charts. Weāre talking about ballrooms adorned with extravagant decorations, queens dressed to the ninesā¦
Speaking of ādressed to the ninesā, 1930s fashion was quite something else, donāt you think? Iām talking about big hats, feather boas, sequined dresses, and enough rouge to paint a house. Talk about glamorous! There I was, swirling my pink tutu amongst the stars of that evening. Such fun!
Did you know, the Hotel Pennsylvania was a hotspot for drag performers in that era? There was something special about that hotel; the air crackled with anticipation and ā¦ oh myā¦ I had the best chat with a performer named Miss Peggy Leeā¦ oh my word! I wish you could hear her storiesā¦ she spoke of her performances, about how sheād wear long gowns with flowing veils and shimmy and shake to the sound of jazz bands... heavenly! We talked for hours and laughed so much... Sheās still going strong, apparently, but letās just say age is but a number in the fabulous world of drag!
Speaking of drag queens who are still going strongā¦ I actually ended up meeting several legends at that ball! One name that kept popping up was this drag performer called Miss Kiki, an absolutely delightful woman who wore only black with white stripes. Now she was a lady who knew how to rock a ballroom! Kiki is the absolute embodiment of glamour and theatricality.
I know what youāre thinking, darlingā¦ where does a pink tutu fit in all this? Well, darling, you know me! Iām a firm believer that a little pink goes a long way. Just a touch of my pink tulle softened up those glam outfits and gave everything a whimsical twist. We do want to have a good time, after all.
Imagine, darling! That ball in the Hotel Pennsylvania - imagine the excitement of a drag scene just starting to blossomā¦ of these brave performers expressing themselves and challenging society's expectationsā¦ of drag being a safe space for acceptance, and for finding your inner confidence, your own personal expression. That's something I want us to celebrate, donāt you think?
And thatās my message this month, dear friendsā¦ wear pink if you want, but always celebrate who you are! Be unapologetically you, whatever that looks like. And you know, there's no shame in getting inspired by our drag heroes of the pastā¦ Itās time to channel the fabulousness and shine brighter than a disco ball!
This monthās pink-tutu journey ended on a delightful note - a late-night show in a gorgeous cabaret on Broadway! Imagine it, a tiny stage, bright lights, and ā¦ can you imagine? A talented queen wearing three sparkly pink tutus. That was an absolute dreamā¦ It was the perfect way to wrap up a whirlwind of drag history!
But donāt think this is the end, my dearsā¦ I have so much more to share. Join me next month as we continue our time-travelling escapade. There are so many hidden gems, glittering memories, and sparkling surprises waiting for us.
Keep shining,
Emma,
Your pink tutu loving, drag queen time-traveler!
Don't forget, to follow the latest updates and find out about the amazing drag events in your local area, pop over to my website, www.pink-tutu.com
