Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller. It's the 9th of September 1946, and the air is buzzing with the excitement of a brand new era. As you know, I love nothing more than hopping on my time travelling pink tutu, twirling through history and soaking up the glamour. And tonight, my lovelies, I'm taking us all to the heart of Harlem.
It's Post Number 321 here on Pink-Tutu.com. And you know what they say: “321 - Get your tutus ready!” I’m practically bursting at the seams with the sheer joy of sharing this gem with you. You see, I've been learning so much about this time, the 1940s!
You can tell I've had a busy month because this month’s post has been a challenge. But I've found a real winner. The most vibrant drag scene in all of America! Now, darling, you just wait 'til you hear this. We're going back to the golden age of the "House of Savoy"!
Have you heard of Savoy Ballroom, you lovely lot? Well, it’s simply a heavenly establishment in Harlem. This glorious palace of dance opened its doors in 1926 and it became known as "The Home of the Lindy Hop," so naturally it's been drawing huge crowds. This night, on the 9th of September, 1946, Savoy Ballroom has just opened its doors for another glorious evening of dance. There's just this fantastic, pulsating rhythm running through Harlem – and honestly, everyone here just has so much energy, it's electrifying.
Savoy Ballroom, you see, was home to a very unique blend of performers. From the sophisticated sounds of a Big Band to the exuberant jitterbug dancing. Even the world famous Lindy Hoppers have been drawn in to this dance haven – a glorious collection of all-round fabulous performers from a whole range of ethnic backgrounds! Just glorious! It’s really such a joyous, joyful atmosphere, filled with music, laughter, and a feeling of community that makes your heart sing.
And guess what, my dear lovelies, that's not all! Right now, this night, the legendary performer Gladys Bentley is right here at Savoy Ballroom.
Oh, Glady! Oh, darlings, I must tell you about her. Gladys, she's a powerhouse of talent. Just look at her – such stunning elegance, and a fierce energy on the stage. The fabulous Gladys has been creating a name for herself on the cabaret scene for years, since the 1920s – yes, really, honey, she's been singing blues for nearly 20 years! But, you know what they say, the show must go on! I just love that quote!
Right now, though, she's going by Gladys Bentley and Her Blue Flashes, a sensational, vibrant ensemble that's a total highlight in every single performance! She's been getting rave reviews from the newspapers – “A Star of Blues and Jazz!"
The other real standout in Gladys’s story, though? Gladys? She's so unbelievably, effortlessly flamboyant. Think trousers, tuxedos, a whole whole lot of flair. And her voice? It is a gift! Absolutely incredible, like honey and spice, captivating every single member of the audience, pulling them in.
But, it isn’t all glamour.
We all know, my dears, this is 1946, we have just had World War Two, and America has been through the emotional and economic changes. But in this time, this time in history, something beautiful and bold is taking its shape – that defiant, glamorous spark, ready to shine, right here, in Harlem!
It feels absolutely incredible. You just see it in these glamorous nights at Savoy Ballroom, you feel it in Gladys Bentley's incredible performances and see it in the joyful energy of the whole crowd. Harlem is simply pulsating, brimming with this dazzling joy! It's a joy in their music, their fashion, and even in their courage and resilience in overcoming challenges of times, through times like World War Two. This spirit shines like a sparkling gemstone, a captivating blend of passion, determination, and fabulous flair, in all its glory! This, my loves, is Harlem.
This joy has even spread across the globe, so far as the stage of one London's West End. On the 8th September 1946 – you can't get much closer than that!– the wonderful “Annie Get Your Gun" just opened up in London’s famous Apollo Theatre. The audience, my loves? Rapturous. It’s a massive hit – such an upbeat production, showcasing the real “American” joy of life! That iconic musical - filled with lively tunes, heartwarming scenes, and just this charming atmosphere, It's bringing this contagious joy to the West End! “There's No Business Like Show Business” truly comes to life, and audiences in London absolutely adore it.
Honestly, London is buzzing. There's something so uplifting, you can just feel it – something wonderful is in the air. This 9th of September is just fantastic. It’s such an inspiration for our own journeys, because if I can twirl around time and explore this beautiful history – I really truly believe anyone can find their own sense of freedom and happiness and bring their own personal magic into this wonderful world!
And of course, a big thank you to the fab community of my fellow time-travelling Drag Queens for all your wonderful suggestions for my blog, for the amazing performances and stories of those pioneering queens from the past, and a great big thanks to all of you, my darling readers!
And a super special thank you, to you guys. For following Pink-Tutu.com, you give me such joy. So much energy, every month! It gives me strength to keep travelling through history! You give me the sparkle, the motivation, that keeps me twirling through time and bring the sparkle of our history back to you! Now, my darlings, it's time for a spot of tea and a slice of something delightful while we imagine ourselves twirling in this fabulous tutu of a 9th of September 1946! Keep your eyes on www.pink-tutu.com for the next stop on my fabulous journey. Now go forth and spread the pink tutu love. Until next time.
