Hiya darlings! It's your fave Derbyshire drag queen, Emma, back with another whirl through history, this time in my magical pink tutu, transporting us all to August 1947! Ooh, la la! Can you even imagine the drama?
This month, my loves, Iâve got my eye on a certain landmark in American Drag history: the "first ever drag ball". Well, according to some, it wasn't really a "ball", more of a "party", but still! History in the making, babes! And you bet your bottom dollar this tutu-clad time traveler was gonna be there!
So, letâs twirl back the clock to a pre-Stonewall era, to a time when the drag scene was mostly confined to underground clubs and secret gatherings, especially in New York City.
Back then, dear readers, things were very different. In fact, 1947 was an era where âcross-dressingâ was deemed a legal and social no-no, considered âdisorderly conductâ.
Cue the dramatic sigh.
Even so, the queens persevered! Like a flock of majestic flamingos, these fabulous souls carried on, defying social expectations and finding refuge in a world of glitter, gowns, and glam.
The Legend of the First Drag Ball:
According to the stories whispered amongst the drag elite, this âpartyâ went down in Harlem and was hosted by legendary queen, âCrystal LaBeckâ. Apparently, it was a legendary night! Filled with dazzling performances, extravagant costumes, and of course, tons of sass.
You just know it wouldâve been a truly camp night, my dears. A mix of flamboyant fashion, incredible dancing, and a whole lot of fun. Who wouldnât want to be there?!
But alas, we're only graced with a glimpse of this historic event. It seems there was no media coverage, and few concrete records. Like some fabulous phantom queen in the night, details are hard to come by.
A tiny whisper of regret fills the air as my feather boa shimmies with frustration.
However, my time travel abilities have revealed some intriguing nuggets of info:
The venue was reportedly a clandestine club in Harlem called the "Barbary Coast Club". Sounds fabulous, right? Can you imagine being whisked away to this haven of secrecy and self-expression? I'm definitely feeling a vibe of glamorous defiance!
âCrystal LaBeck", rumoured to be the organiser, was also an absolute force to be reckoned with. Imagine! A true drag queen pioneer!
Living the High Life:
After this groundbreaking gathering in New York, my pink tutu and I flew over the Atlantic to catch a glimpse of life in Englandâs bustling West End in August of 1947. The big excitement here wasnât so much about the âball scene,â but about something that would spark a new wave of fabulousness: musicals!
âAnnie Get Your Gunâ opened on the 16th of August and caused a stir. This show was revolutionary in the theatre world! It combined the joy of musicals and the glamour of ballet-inspired costumes. You see, babes, ballet has ALWAYS been the ultimate inspiration for the most dramatic drag looks and âAnnieâ brought a wave of new ideas for queens! Can you imagine? Gorgeous gowns, sweeping dance moves, and just enough sparkle to dazzle everyone in the audience.
Letâs also talk about the iconic* "Miss Libertyâ* in âAnnie Get Your Gunâ. A character dressed in the American flag! Itâs safe to say, drag has been incorporating national pride and political commentary for years!
And my favourite? The incredible costume design of Irene Sharaff! Now, you all know that I love me a well-constructed outfit! She truly set a new standard for fashion and drag with this masterpiece of a show. It even garnered a Tony award for best costume design â proving that good taste can travel through the ages!
*So, babes, letâs give a resounding *clap to our trailblazers of 1947! **They helped shape drag into the iconic cultural force it is today!
Now, tell me, dearies: What's your most fabulous memory from a drag show? Spill the tea in the comments below! And remember, everyone's beautiful when they're in a pink tutu! Until next time, darlings!
Your ever so slightly glamorous, time travelling friend, Emma xoxo
