Helloooo my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time-traveling queen! Get ready to take a twirl back to the glorious era of the 1930s, where glamour was king and the stage was alight with spectacular talent!
Now, gather 'round, darlings, for today we're jetting off in my magical, time-traveling tutu to 10th October 1937, a day overflowing with exciting drag events around the world. Did you know? 1937 was a fabulous year for drag - it was the year of Marlene Dietrich and the rise of the "woman impersonator"!
From Derbyshire to New York's Stage!You wouldn't believe how long it's been since I was last in New York! I could feel the electric energy of the city thrumming through the streets as I, shimmering in my glorious pink tutu, landed right in front of the glamorous Radio City Music Hall. It's a wonderland! They call it "The Most Beautiful Theatre in the World", and I say, they aren't wrong! I was so busy swooning over the intricate decorations that I almost missed my opportunity to catch the star of the show - a certain Josephine Baker!
Yes, that Josephine Baker! Now, I have a rule: if I travel to any time, I must visit any iconic queen who graced the stages there, so of course, I popped into the show. You know how I love a good high-kick, and this dazzling woman absolutely stunned the audience with her energetic dance moves, her fabulous sequined costumes, and of course, the legendary feather boa! Just the memory sends a shiver down my spine!
She’s a legend, and she certainly was putting on a show! And you know what? There she was, right on that very stage, breaking boundaries, performing as a beautiful black woman, and showing the world how utterly fabulous and strong she was!
It’s important to remember these groundbreakers, darling. They really paved the way for us modern queens and continue to inspire us all. She wasn't just dancing, she was creating history!
Time for a Parisian Interlude!But there wasn't just magic in America! I was feeling a bit of European chic next so I set off in my time-traveling tutu to Paris. Now, the Parisians know how to dress up, and trust me, there was no lack of glam going down. This Parisian drag scene is just full of that quintessential French flair, which you all know I love! I couldn't leave Paris without paying a visit to La Cigale, which in 1937, was the place for burlesque and cabaret shows. Now, that’s what I’m talking about! Imagine the spectacle - glamorous singers, captivating dancers, and perhaps a cheeky can-can thrown in for good measure! I must go back in the future.
It wasn’t just the big cities; there were fabulous drag performances taking place across the globe. I just felt a pull, a drag magic call, towards Berlin. Berlin’s "Woman Impersonators", were breaking all sorts of rules. I don't think there were any limits back then – they'd dress up, sing their hearts out, and dare I say it, some might have been cheeky, too!
A Lesson in History & FashionSo here's my lesson for the week: whether it's New York, Paris, or Berlin, let's celebrate our history, remember those brave drag performers who walked before us, and never forget how drag can bring people together to enjoy life’s little, fabulous moments. And let's always be brave, and let ourselves be seen!
Just as those icons were paving the way for the rest of us back in 1937, I encourage you all to be trailblazers too. Get that pink tutu out, you fabulous creatures, and make the world your stage! You’ve got this! I can already hear the applause and the laughter from all the fab drag events around the world. Let’s take this fabulous world by storm and never let it get dull!
Until next time my dears, keep sparkling, keep shining, and keep your spirits high!
Love, Emma xoxo
#Don’t forget to visit Emma's blog at www.pink-tutu.com every month for a new adventure! Follow Emma on Instagram: @PinkTutuTimeTraveler.
