Hiya darlings! Emma here, your resident time-traveling pink tutu-ologist! Itâs time for another thrilling voyage through the fascinating history of drag! This month, weâre spinning back to 10th October 1940, a time when the world was at war, but the spirit of glamour and the defiant sparkle of drag still shone bright!
This particular trip, darlings, has left me absolutely gagging! I canât tell you just how fabulous my vintage pink tutu is this month, complete with rhinestones and feather boas galore. Trust me, itâs got that âOld Hollywoodâ vibe that makes you wanna twirl with a martini in hand, darling!
And twirling I did, right into the heart of wartime Britain. Itâs amazing how, despite the difficulties, drag thrived! Imagine, my dears, those glittering costumes, those impossibly tall hairstyles, the witty banter in smoke-filled clubs... truly, drag provided a much-needed escape for those needing a laugh and a bit of joyous chaos.
Now, let's take a peek at the scene in 1940:
New York City: Ah, The Stork Club, a favourite for the stars. Drag performers like Evelyn West, known for their sharp wit and stunningly elegant gowns, were making the scene. I canât believe we nearly missed them; their acts were like perfectly timed high kicks, darling, leaving everyone speechless with delight!
London: Over in jolly old England, things were a bit more subdued due to the war effort. Yet, drag continued to flourish, albeit a little more âlow-keyâ. The Windmill Theatre in Piccadilly became a haven for those looking for a dose of dazzling divas. They offered burlesque and drag, with the occasional starlet from Hollywood joining the bill for extra sparkle.
Hollywood: Even in the glamourous capital of Hollywood, the influence of drag on film was evident, though much more subtle. We saw it in the flamboyantly styled men on the big screen, from the suave cowboys of the Westerns to the larger-than-life performers in musical extravaganzas. These men often channeled a sort of camp masculinity that had an unmistakably drag-inspired aesthetic.
What can we learn from the queens of 1940?
These queens remind us that drag has always been a symbol of resilience and a means of expressing one's true self. In the face of war, prejudice, and social restrictions, the spirit of drag still burned bright. They used it as a powerful force to bring joy and defiance to a world in turmoil.
That spirit resonates with us still. Today, just like back then, we can look to drag for inspiration, empowerment, and an escape from the ordinary. That's why I wear my pink tutu, darlings. It's a statement! A celebration of the extraordinary!
Donât forget to follow Pink-Tutu on social media for exclusive behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, news from the drag world, and updates on upcoming performances. Until next time, darling, keep shining bright!
#DragQueenHistory #PinkTutu #TimeTravelingQueen #GlamourForever #HistoryOfDrag #WorldWideWonder
( Thatâs just 500 words, Emma! We need more about the queens! Tell us what you learnt from their shows in more detail, darlings. )
Right, you know I always get carried away when Iâm chatting about all things drag, my dears! So, let me spill the tea on the fabulous shows I caught in my magical pink tutuâŠ
A Night of Vintage Glamour in London:
Landing in London in 1940 was an experience, darling! Londoners were a sight to behold; it was war-time but those girls still knew how to look glam. Picture perfectly coiffed victory rolls, lipstick shades that could melt your heart, and frocks that were everything! The Windmill Theatre was like a beacon of fun and escapism, even with the sirens screaming in the distance!
Letâs just say, my pink tutu fit right in with those feather boas and glitter gowns the girls were wearing! This show wasnât as glitzy as modern drag performances, but there was this incredible charm about it that made it utterly unique. Imagine vaudeville meets burlesque, but with a bit of wartime grit thrown in, my dears!
They had everything: comedians delivering snappy wit, tap dancers doing synchronized moves that were absolutely flawless, and then those sassy, charismatic queens who brought the house down.
Iâve got to say, the best part was a drag performance by a queen named Kitty La Rue, a London legend who reminded me of a younger Divine. This girl had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand! She served sassy shade with an abundance of glamour, a little bit of bawdy humor, and all wrapped up with a bow of wartime spirit! She sang a catchy tune about the war that was an absolute riot, darling, with a twinkle in her eye and a cheeky smile, it had the whole audience clapping along. She was the epitome of a true show-woman; a testament to the strength of human resilience in the face of hardship!
Kitty La Rue truly inspired me, darlings. It taught me that drag isn't just about feathers and rhinestones; itâs a reflection of the times, it can be a voice for social change, and it can be a reminder of our resilience, even in the face of adversity!
New York City, the land of bright lights and fierce Queens!
Letâs talk about that incredible club The Stork Club. Talk about fabulous! Think of an exclusive nightclub but imagine it's overflowing with glamorous characters â society folk, famous faces, and even a few drag queens!
The Stork Club felt like stepping into a dream. The ambiance was electrifying! Think the music is soft jazz and everyone is laughing and talking amongst themselves, the air is thick with perfume and cigarette smoke, but, the true magic came from those stunning performances. Evelyn West truly understood how to captivate an audience with elegance. She was a sight to behold! Her costumes had this luxurious feel and everything she did was perfectly choreographed and oh so refined! Imagine, if Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot had a love child who just happened to be a drag queen. Evelyn West had a certain je ne sais quoi about her!
Her performance was an embodiment of a strong independent woman who wasnât afraid to take charge. She had these killer looks, and her lip-sync game was off the charts! She had the audience mesmerized with each subtle gesture, she had this effortless magnetism, darling, she really made an impact on the world. It was truly unforgettable!
In her performance, I saw that drag can be both beautiful and empowering. It can be used to subvert traditional gender roles, to celebrate the body, and to showcase a person's unique style and talents. It made me think about how far drag has come and yet it continues to be just as important, even now, for expressing yourself freely and embracing your inner glam!
I have to tell you, I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to visit this era. It has reminded me that no matter what the world throws our way, drag always prevails! It will always be there, an emblem of inclusivity and a reminder that we can embrace ourselves fully without judgment, despite all the turmoil going on in the world!
But now, letâs catch a quick coffee at that lovely cafĂ© here in Derbyshire and Iâll tell you all about that incredible drag show I saw on 10th October in Hollywood! ( It really blew my mind, trust me. Itâs so important! I am so keen for you to hear about it⊠)
Stay tuned for my next post where we delve into the fascinating story of drag's impact on Hollywood cinema...
