Hiya darlings! Your favourite time-traveling tutu-wearing queen is back, ready to whisk you all back to 1947! This month, Iâve decided to grace you all with a peek into the fabulous world of drag, specifically the 9th of September, 1947, a date that has me absolutely twirling!
For this adventure, I decided to ditch my usual pink tutu and go for a glamorous white ensemble. Letâs face it, a white tutu sparkles under the bright lights of a ballroom, much like I do! (Just kidding! Sort of!) I zipped up my dazzling white satin leotard, added a tulle cloud of a tutu and a shimmering tiara (a little sparkly touch never hurts, darlings), and whisked myself back to the Savoy Hotel in London.
You see, darlings, September 9th, 1947 marked a milestone in entertainment history! The Savoy Theatre saw the debut of a show called âThis is the Lifeâ starring none other than the legendary Danny La Rue. Can you imagine the excitement?
Imagine: The smoky haze, the luxurious red velvet seats, the smell of vintage perfume (and maybe a touch of cigarettes â the good kind, mind you, darling, not that awful thing you kids call âcigarettesâ these days!), the air electric with anticipation. I can see the ladies in their finery, the men in their suits, and all eyes glued to the stage as the curtain rises. And then there he was: Danny La Rue, an absolute stunner in a floor-length gown, radiating charisma and charm, dazzling the audience with his quick wit and comedic brilliance. It was truly a moment in time.
For those of you who haven't heard of him, let me enlighten you: Danny La Rue is a legend, a true pioneer of drag, beloved by the public for his hilarious portrayal of women. A favourite among the rich and famous, his shows were packed with royalty, celebrities and theatrical elites. His ability to move audiences with a wave of his hand, a flutter of his eyelashes, was undeniable.
"This is the Life" wasnât just any ordinary show; it was an extravagant revue, showcasing dance, comedy, and singing with the glitz and glam of a classic Hollywood musical. Imagine being surrounded by such talented performers and fabulous costuming. My love for the flamboyant, and the history behind the incredible performances of that time, fuelled my time travel obsession! I have a theory that the spirit of cabaret and theatre, that feeling of extravagance and glamour, can inspire the greatest creativity!
Even without a time machine (or my magical pink tutu), I love seeing how the theatre world influenced drag and performance. We have come a long way since then! We can appreciate drag and cabaret in its truest form. Today, itâs more than a show. Itâs an art form. Itâs an expression of individuality, a rebellion against societal norms.
Just think of it: drag and cabaret were revolutionary! Danny La Rue and his contemporaries paved the way for us, for the drag queens of today, for the countless artists who continue to challenge and inspire us. Thatâs why we celebrate it, because the foundation, those trailblazers, brought the stage and the world to their feet.
However, the adventure wasn't just about Danny La Rue. I also popped into some other hotspots in 1947. Did you know that in London, a club called "The Windmill" (the Windmill, not to be confused with The Moulin Rouge, although it definitely gave a bit of a nod to it's Parisian namesake) was thriving! I spent some time there watching a variety show full of glamorous dancing ladies, all very proper, very high-class, but also incredibly risqué! It was pure camp!
My trip to London also introduced me to some fantastic street performances! You would not believe the street entertainers â acrobats, fire breathers, musicians, dancers â there were performers in every corner! The city pulsated with energy, with creativity!
The street scenes in 1947, however, also reflected the post-war struggles that the world was facing. Although there was still some visible damage, London had begun to rebuild itself. The spirit was resilient! A little grit, a whole lot of fun, and of course, a dash of glitter, thatâs what itâs all about, isn't it darlings? And this is what inspires my passion for fashion! That is why I love drag! Thatâs why we have pink tutus! To help everyone rediscover a little glitter in their lives, in their wardrobes, in their souls! We live to have fun and celebrate the beauty that comes from accepting who we are and how we express ourselves!
As a reminder: Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com, the online hub for all your drag and time-travel adventures! Each month, I'll share a brand new adventure, exploring the dazzling world of drag and performance, taking you to every nook and cranny of history â the good, the bad, and the beautiful!
Remember, darling, every time I step out in my magical pink tutu, I do it for you. Because in this world of constant change and evolving styles, you too, my dears, can travel back to these glorious eras in time! So grab your brightest smiles and fiercest attires. Youâll find, just like me, the history of drag and performance has always been filled with passion, beauty, and more than a little sprinkle of glitz and glamour! And letâs be honest, what else are pink tutus for? Itâs our little secret, my darlings. Now go on, you stunning, shimmering queens! The worldâs your stage!
See you all next month!
Yours in sequins and sparkles, Emma, the Time Traveling Pink Tutu Queen
