Welcome back, darling! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu wearing time-travelling drag queen. It's time for another blast from the past, and today we're venturing back to the 12th of December, 1938!
This is post number 228, and believe me, darlings, it's a doozy. Buckle up, because we're about to take a whirlwind tour through the glamorous world of drag history. If you fancy some high-drama drag adventures with a hefty dollop of sparkle, well then, pull up a sequin and grab a cocktail because it's time for the pinkest time-travel journey yet! 💖
My lovely magical pink tutu spun me through the airwaves this morning and dropped me smack-dab in the middle of a bustling 1930s New York City, the epicenter of drag, and the place where it truly blossomed into the art form we know and love today! As a rule, I do try to steer clear of the dreaded 'B' word - "Ball" - it's so...so...well, last year darling! 🙈
Now, here's what made the 12th December, 1938 a date for the diary: The world was a little tense back then, you know, with whispers of war creeping around every corner. But that didn't stop the drag scene from thriving! Imagine it: smoky jazz clubs filled with the energy of flamboyantly dressed queens.
And this is where our journey gets truly dazzling. Back in those days, drag balls weren't all about posing and prizes like they are now (although we must give props to the Ballroom scene, darling!), these were more about a raw expression of artistry, individuality, and - gasp! - the audacity to stand out! And stand out they did! Imagine a world where a man strutting in a bejewelled gown with a feather boa would turn heads and spark excitement. That, my dears, was the 1930s drag scene.
That evening, nestled amidst the flickering neon signs and honking cabs, was a clandestine underground drag club named 'The Oasis.' Here, drag queens known only by their stage names were pioneering new heights in the art form. Think about it! Before RuPaul's Drag Race, before social media, these queens were carving a space for themselves with grit, determination, and gallons of glitter.
I had to see this, obviously. Thankfully, my tutu knew just the spot. It shimmered a few times, landed on a street corner, and in a puff of shimmering pink smoke, I found myself standing outside 'The Oasis' just as the lights dimmed for a drag extravaganza. Now, I can't go blabbing the secrets of 'The Oasis' here - that would be breaking some serious time travel protocol! But I can share some of the dazzling fashions I witnessed.
Forget boring dresses and feathers; this was the era of high-octane glam! A showstopping emerald green dress adorned with rhinestones shimmered under the stage lights as a queen called 'Diamond Lil' sashayed with the grace of a true cabaret icon. Another queen, known as 'Velvet Rose' appeared, draped in a velvety gown with cascading fur. Her lips, my dears, were crimson red, accentuated by shimmering crimson eyeliner. The drag makeup, truly incredible! Bold and dramatic, showcasing the beauty and individuality of each queen. I spent the entire show captivated. I even found myself waving my pink tutu along to the rhythmic music! 🎶
This particular evening, I saw a truly extraordinary performer known as "The Sapphire Siren." She was a whirlwind of talent and beauty, possessing a voice that could melt the ice in an igloo, with the stage presence of a born star! Her performance, I can't even describe it! Pure unadulterated, glittery goodness. Think "A Star is Born", but instead of singing, it's lip syncing. Oh darling, I do miss the old-school lip-syncing queens, before everyone and their mum decided to suddenly become singers! 💅
After witnessing The Sapphire Siren's magic, I was bursting with inspiration, naturally. My pink tutu whirled and I was back in Derbyshire! You can bet that next month, you'll be seeing a few Sapphirel-esque touches in my own performance. Oh yes! My blog followers might be from Derbyshire, but they deserve a sprinkle of big-city magic, don't they? 😜
I have to go now, my darling, I have to prepare for a dazzling drag night here in Derbyshire. It's the "Winter Wonderland Ball" tonight, and this girl has got sequins to sew, lipstick to apply and hair to make spectacular! Oh, and just one tiny question for you all...are you ready for the pink tutu revolution?
Love, Emma xoxo 💖
