Hello my darling darlings! It’s your favourite Derbyshire diva, Emma, and I’m thrilled to be back with you all for another edition of Pink Tutu Travels. Now, fasten your diamanté chokers and get ready to gag because today, we're taking a magical trip back in time, all the way to 5th May 1939! Imagine this, petal: me, in my finest pink tutu, surrounded by the glitter and glamour of the legendary Follies-Bergère in Paris. Gasp! Yes, my darlings, tonight we’re in the spotlight, alongside none other than the incomparable Josephine Baker!
Oh my darling, what a dream of a night it’s been. As I always say, every girl loves a good bit of history - and this experience? Pure drag-tastic. We’re talking high-kicking, feather boas, and rhinestones galore. Now, I have to say, seeing Josephine Baker in her full glory was just absolutely breath-taking. Not only was her voice a gift from the gods, but the way she strutted that stage, my dears! She was every bit the dazzling diva that inspired generations of queens, and for good reason, you know! Her artistry was a beacon of joy and liberation - a perfect embodiment of the playful spirit of drag, breaking barriers and changing the game!
You see, Josephine was a trailblazer, a woman who fearlessly challenged the norm and smashed those glass ceilings like they were made of brittle biscuit. To have a black woman not only performing but reigning supreme in such a prestigious venue was revolutionary! In that moment, darling, you could feel the electric atmosphere of the theatre - the air thick with a powerful cocktail of admiration, adoration, and awe. That's the true magic of drag, isn't it? We build these spaces of acceptance and joy, reminding the world that love is love, no matter your race, gender, or the style of your sequined fan!
While it may be difficult for some to understand, this kind of pioneering work in drag, done by talented artists like Josephine Baker, was pivotal for the future of performance and expression. We wouldn't be rocking those pink tutus so proudly today without their efforts, darlings! You can bet your bottom dollar, every time I step on that stage, I carry those trailblazers in my heart and perform in homage to the magic that they created.
Now, don't think I was just soaking up the Follies-Bergère from the audience, darling. You know me better than that. Of course, I had to get in on the action! The moment I arrived, all those dazzling stage lights - I just had to twerk. Oh darling, the energy was electric, the music, the excitement… Divine. The people I met - everyone from sassy cabaret dancers to glamorous French drag queens, with more makeup than the average makeup counter could handle, shocking. It was the ultimate, glitter-filled dream world.
And let me tell you, darling, this night was a true masterclass in fabulousness! You know how much I love me some sequins and feathers, but this place took it to the next level. I couldn’t help but get caught up in the whirlwind of sequins, feather boas, and glittering gowns, taking a little peek at all the fabulous trends from this golden era! It truly is incredible how far fashion has come, my darlings, but still, so much of it is reminiscent of the dazzling styles we see on the runways today.
And who wouldn't want a vintage pink tutu, darling? As for myself, I decided to embrace the chic and donned my signature pink tulle and some sparkling sequins – you know me, always on-point. And of course, I had to do some shopping, darlings! There are simply not enough fabulous frocks to satisfy this drag queen. Imagine a pink velvet turban, a beaded lace corset, and a long train - absolutely heavenly. Now that’s what I call avant-garde.
But my adventures don’t stop there! Oh no darling, not by a long shot. My journey took me to Le Bal Tabarin, a hot spot for all the glamorous nightlife back then. The stage was alight with laughter, glamour, and of course, incredible performances! We're talking can-can dancers in red feather boas, acrobats, clowns - and let's not forget the amazing jazz music that just lifted my spirit right to the stratosphere. This era was truly a time of revolution in the world of drag and cabaret. The performance artists truly put on a show unlike anything you could see today - a spectacle for the senses!
But don't worry, darling, I was also soaking in all the history I could find! The world was bustling, filled with optimism. The threat of the approaching war wasn't as tangible in France just yet, and life was a celebration. Even though we know that it all had to come crashing down, it's still incredibly important to celebrate and remember the joy of those times - the joy of expression, of the liberation that drag could bring to everyone in a time when things weren't easy for everyone, darlings.
Let’s not forget, my lovelies, that the Pink Tutu travels are only possible because of my incredible performances, you know. If you're in the UK and need to make some serious bank - head over to my website at www.pink-tutu.com for my schedule and tickets to my performances. Trust me, it's an unforgettable time with the pinkest, sparkliest tutu in the world. I’ll make sure everyone's dancing like the iconic Josephine Baker herself!
So, until next time, my precious angels. Be bold, be bold, be brave. And most importantly, be glamorous! And please, never forget - a little bit of pink magic goes a long way! Keep on dazzling!
