Hello darlings! Emma here, and I'm thrilled to be back with another time travel tale! Today we’re going back in time to the 6th of June 1938, ready to sashay, shimmy and twirl our way into history.
This time, my fabulous, pink time-traveling tutu took me to the heart of New York City. Oh, darling, the streets were a whirl of glamour and grit, with Art Deco buildings reaching for the sky. It was as though the city itself was channeling a flapper's joie de vivre!
This particular date is significant, dear reader, as it's the birthdate of a truly iconic drag queen: Divine! Now, you might be saying "Divine, the drag legend? But didn't she appear in John Waters films?" And to that, my dears, I would say, well… YES, darling! But, you see, Divine, or Glenn Milstead as she was then known, was a Baltimore queen long before her silver screen fame.
I did a little research, and I found that the very year I arrived in New York, 1938, Divine was making her early appearances at the iconic drag institution The Cockettes. Just imagine! Little Divine, a fresh face in a fabulous frock, ready to take on the drag scene. Now THAT'S a time travel moment!
Oh, but don't think for a second that my fabulous pink tutu wasn't bringing the drama! I made a quick stop at a show at The Roxy Theatre, and darling, what a sight! It was burlesque, and not the "slight strip" burlesque of the modern era. Think feather boas, bejeweled stockings and those stunning, dramatic dance routines you only see on classic musicals. I'm telling you, this was DRAG with a capital 'D'. They brought the house down and then some!
I just adore how the early drag scene was so intertwined with cabaret, with drag artists performing in places like theatres and music halls. It was all about making a statement, about being over-the-top and absolutely fabulous, and about letting your imagination run wild. And trust me, the imagination of these drag artists, they were not lacking!
I know it's tough to imagine the world of drag back then without all the modern trappings – drag races, Instagram queens, the explosion of LGBTQ+ culture. But, darlings, the seed was planted back in those glorious days, back when queens like Divine and those burlesque beauties were bringing the glamour to a whole new level!
That night, after taking in the show, I went searching for my next outfit. I am NEVER one to be outdone by the fabulousness on stage. My darling friend, I managed to find the most incredible vintage silk pink satin at a thrift store in Harlem! Imagine! Vintage silk, a whole yard of pink satin for under $2! That, my lovelies, is a deal worthy of the queens themselves.
Of course, no visit to New York is complete without a little dose of shopping therapy! Oh, the stores on Fifth Avenue, darling, each one more glittering than the last! Imagine it: The window displays are a feast for the eyes, the clothes so exquisite, and every lady sporting the most glamorous attire you've ever seen. Now THAT’s what I call fashion, darling!
But darling, my travel adventures didn't end in New York. My time traveling tutu carried me across the globe to London. Now, darling, while 1938 in England was anything but pink, we still found some drag moments worth celebrating! The Savoy Hotel was, as it still is, the epitome of elegance and luxury. Just picture it: shimmering ballrooms, stunning gowns and an air of sophistication. Imagine our dearest drag artists mingling with the upper echelon of society, shaking their tassels and bringing a little something different to the British upper class. It makes one dream!
Although drag wasn't a readily visible phenomenon like it is now, it was still quietly bubbling beneath the surface. I learned that London, even in those days, was teeming with performers of all kinds - cabaret singers, dance troupes and musicians. Imagine these talents, a true reflection of the melting pot that was, and is, London. It's not so difficult to see, darling, that this underground scene had its share of performers pushing boundaries and, let’s just say, blurring gender lines.
Of course, none of us can forget the grand legacy of pantomime. This year, Londoners were treated to "Babes in the Wood", which had its roots in this long tradition. It was, dare I say it, practically dripping in fabulousness! With over-the-top costumes and actors pushing the boundaries of what was considered "normal", panto was the closest we got to mainstream drag in England. Imagine these daring artists captivating children and adults alike with their larger-than-life performances, truly making pantomime into the ultimate spectacle. Now that’s something special!
All these stories reminded me of just how important it is to preserve drag history and learn from the icons that came before us. Just because the spotlight didn’t shine quite so brightly on certain scenes in history doesn’t mean it wasn't there. And, as I like to say: it wasn’t always pink, but darling, the show must go on!
I returned from my trip feeling invigorated, empowered and, most importantly, ready to rock a pink tutu. That’s what June 1938 gave me, dear readers. Inspiration, the need to push those boundaries and the understanding that, no matter the time or the place, drag is about expressing yourself in your own unique, fabulous way!
So darling, let’s remember, whether we’re shimmying through New York or London, we're all connected to a global network of drag artists, each one bringing their own brand of glamour and magic. And always remember, darlings, in this life, it's a pink-tutu-kind-of-day!
Remember to join me next month for another fantastic voyage into drag history on www.pink-tutu.com. In the meantime, stay fabulous, wear your pink tutu proudly and let’s spread the magic of drag together!
