Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite Derbyshire drag queen with a penchant for pink tutus and a time machine tucked neatly into my wardrobe. This month, I'm whisking us back to the roaring 1930s, darling, where the world was still grappling with the shadow of the Great War, but the glitter of entertainment was already shining bright!
Grab your tiaras and hold onto your feather boas, because we're travelling back to February 2nd, 1939. This day, my dears, is where we find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of a beautiful, bustling drag scene. Think glamorous ladies performing at vaudeville theaters, burlesque shows simmering with cheekiness, and hidden speakeasies pulsating with the rhythmic tap of drag queens and the laughter of an excited audience.
I absolutely adore these golden eras of drag history! While tutus might not have been quite as common as they are now, you can bet your bottom dollar there was some fantastic feather trimming and plenty of fabulous costumes shimmering on stage. The art of drag, darling, has always been about taking your power back, pushing boundaries, and celebrating the flamboyant side of life. It's the perfect way to shake off any lingering wartime blues, isn't it?
Now, before I completely lose myself in my daydreams of sequined boas and rhinestones, let's talk about what was happening on the 2nd of February, 1939.
The Glamourous World of DragI managed to sneak a peek at some old newspaper clippings and here’s what I discovered:
Across the pond in America:
- The Palace Theatre in New York was absolutely swooning over the legendary Ethel Merman, her booming voice making the rafters tremble with joy. Apparently, she was just as fab then as she was in the movie "Anything Goes" - think glittering costumes, dramatic hair and the sort of powerful performances that could make your hair stand on end. Imagine a glorious blend of stage actress, drag queen and an iconic musical talent – she's got it all!
- Meanwhile, over at the Casino Theatre in Brooklyn, it was all about Billie Holiday, a queen with a voice so smooth it was like honey on a warm day. Billie had that effortlessly cool style, all smooth moves and smoky-eyed sensuality, leaving the audiences mesmerized.
Back in London:
- At the Windmill Theatre, the ladies were holding court, offering up their legendary blend of glamour and cheeky comedy. Think, glittering legs, feather boas and a whole lot of wink-wink-nudgenudge humour that made them iconic.
- The Coliseum Theatre, known for its magnificent theatrical productions, was showing a film called "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," which had been made in technicolour - imagine, colour cinema! I bet those beautiful costumes were dazzling.
- The Palladium - oh, darling, this is my kind of venue! - was playing host to a glittering array of entertainment, from acrobats and singers to comedians and singers. With the fabulousness of a drag show, and the sophistication of the London theatre scene, I can only imagine the sheer magnificence!
The world was dancing, the music was playing and drag was bringing joy to every corner! Imagine the atmosphere! It’s a truly inspiring time to reflect on, my darlings, with all its challenges and delights.
Of course, no pink tutu escapade would be complete without some sartorial delights!
Let’s take a peek at what’s fashionable in the world of ballet:
- Ballet was all about flowing tulle and the most gorgeous lines, just as beautiful as our tutu skirts, wouldn't you agree? Imagine long, elegant lines of dancers in soft, muted colours, so graceful and chic.
- The "Princess Line" dress was huge this year – that elegant A-line silhouette that cinches at the waist. I can imagine it on stage in a soft shade of pink, just as enchanting as a princess's ball gown.
- And oh, the shoes! I’m talking pointed satin slippers, beautifully shaped and elegant, with just a hint of a kitten heel. Such a perfect pair of shoes to twirl in, especially if you’re adding some extra glam with an embellished bow or two.
As a final note for my beloved pink tutu fans, let's remember that the 1930s was a period of great societal change and, while it might have felt somewhat less accepting of those who chose to live outside societal norms, remember - we are the queens who rise above, who make our mark on the world, and we inspire others to embrace their own individuality.
The legacy of these iconic drag queens reminds us that we are always building upon something magnificent - and I am so incredibly grateful to be part of it.
Until next month, keep those pink tutus sparkling, and remember, darling: be fierce, be bold and, above all, be you!
