Hello darlings! Itās your fabulous pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, bringing you another glimpse into the dazzling world of Drag Queen history. This month, we're twirling our way back to February 2nd, 1947. Grab your tiaras and your best shade of pink lipstick, because this is a trip you won't want to miss!
As always, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Time Travel blog post without a bit of sartorial brilliance, wouldn't it? This month, I've chosen a soft, delicate blush pink tutu, adorned with a cascade of hand-stitched tulle petals. You just can't have enough sparkle on a Valentineās Day, even one from 1947. And the good news is, I found some of the cutest, most delightful shoes with a little help from the tardis of time! I'm sure you'll agree - what could be more charming than a pair of pink patent Mary Jane pumps?
Speaking of charm, this month we're venturing back to an era when drag was all about the underground. Imagine, a time before social media, before drag race, before RuPaul (yes, dearies, there was a time before that!) Now picture, the clubs, the back alleys, the dimly lit cabarets, full of secret lives and flamboyant fashion. On this day in history, February 2nd, 1947, youād find that little corner of the world where these queens, with all their magic and allure, existed!
I love the idea that drag has been bubbling up since way back then, right? From the hushed back rooms of those old, secretive speakeasies and dive bars. Back when things were still pretty dangerous and being openly "different" was... well, it just wasn't done.
So, on my visit to 1947, I did a bit of sleuthing to find out what was going on in the world of drag. You might be surprised to hear that there was a fair bit going on, though none of it was publicly documented! In the era of the underground, everything about drag was whispered, shared, and enjoyed in the safe spaces that were the hidden, vibrant nightlife haunts.
But how did I even find any info about drag in 1947, you ask? Well, I've got my little secrets. I like to chat to the friendly people of the past. It's fascinating to hear how the people who lived there think and what they remember. Some of my favorite things about traveling back in time is meeting the characters that have lived through the most turbulent changes - because we wouldn't be here now if they hadn't lived, you see?
One sweet gentleman I met was a kind gentleman who shared his experience at one of those glamorous cabaret venues, you know? A place called āThe Green Room.ā He told me it was just around the corner from the very famous 'Blue Angel', a renowned nightclub known for its amazing clientele!
Turns out, 'The Green Room' wasn't your typical nightclub; It was considered a sanctuary for the cabaret performers in those times. Now, they weren't always allowed to perform in the most prestigious venues, but places like āThe Green Room" and even those backroom venues provided them with an audience and a chance to just "be." Isn't it extraordinary?
My chatty, very generous and informative friend shared details about what they got up to in 1947, which, of course, was still fairly secretive back then. There was a queen who dressed as a French singer, mon chƩri. A wonderful character they called "Sparkle" who had such a mesmerizing way about her, the kind that has us all standing to attention for their performances, even nowadays! It just shows, love and expression really know no time and space.
Now, the gentleman from 1947 mentioned, these āThe Green Roomā nights had this delightful cocktail called the "Rainbow Spritzerā... What was in it? Well, I'm just as intrigued to find that out! If you've got any clues, my loves, don't hesitate to drop a line below, or maybe head over to the Pink Tutu forum and share your cocktail discoveries!
The world of 1947 is filled with the thrill of hiding and the allure of the secret! Of course, in our world today, we're all free to celebrate ourselves in all our glorious colours, and it's something we should truly treasure, isnāt it? I believe these little hidden-away venues were crucial to getting us where we are now - a drag-tastic world where anything is possible.
As a lover of fashion, I also have to tell you, the dress codes back then were much more elaborate. People actually dressed to go out! Now Iām not just saying that because of my love for fabulousness ā I have evidence. There were ādressā codes which made it hard to get into some of these incredible venues if you weren't ādressedā accordingly. Thereās this particular one from The Green Room, from February 2nd, 1947. And guess what? They banned denim, ladies and gentlemen! Can you even imagine?!
Speaking of the present-day world, just for a little comparison ā just last weekend I had the privilege of attending a magnificent Drag Ball in London! The theme was "Diamonds and Glitter." Naturally, my little pink-tutu heart was buzzing with joy and the entire space just crackled with an electrifying energy! There was a delicious buffet of glittery goodness that even the pickiest eaters wouldāve been swept up in, and there were performances from all kinds of fantastic queens ā singers, dancers, you name it, they were there to set our hearts on fire. Itās truly special seeing all of that drag brilliance come together in such an epic, vibrant way ā such a big contrast from the hidden-away venues of the 1940s!
Just goes to show that while weāre not in a time where we can see these hidden 1940s shows ourselves, we can take inspiration and make something amazing and unique in our own modern day lives. Remember, you can create a safe space, or a fabulous celebration wherever you are. It all starts with a passion, a bit of glitz, and a whole lotta love.
Oh! But before I let you go, a quick update on how to make this wonderful blog happen, you may be wondering: Where do I get my magical, time-travelling tutu from, you ask? Well, the truth is, I make it all myself. My mum's a wonderful seamstress and I spent years helping her out with alterations, making costume designs, even just the basic bits of sewing I can put together in a short time ā even now I can whip up a custom creation on demand! Itās been in my family for generations, and when you use something like this to travel in time, you need a certain element of heritage about it!
Now, I am a drag performer as well as a travel blogger, you know! I do loads of shows across the UK and have a calendar booked for most of the year - you can check it all out over on www.pink-tutu.com, which also has a booking page. Every booking from my performance tours funds my adventures in the past, so you can all help keep those magical times journeys going!
Until next time, my sweethearts! Stay fabulous, spread the love, and never be afraid to twirl in your own unique style!
