Darlings! Welcome back to my monthly trip through the annals of Drag Queen History, here at www.pink-tutu.com! Itās your gal, Emma, and let me tell you, February is always a littleā¦ chillyā¦ even with a pink tutu warming my heart. But donāt you worry, darlings, weāre gonna set the stage on fire with a fab trip back to 1948! Grab a cuppa, find a comfy spot, and letās dive into this fabulous, history-infused journey together.
Todayās pink tutu landed me smack dab in the middle of, drumroll, February 2nd, 1948! Oh, how the times have changed, my dears. But letās get some context, shall we? It was post-war, the world was starting to rebuild, and guess what was happening? Yep, Drag! Can you believe it?
Before I tell you about our glamorous journey, Iāve got a little tidbit of tea thatāll give you the inside scoop: Did you know that it wasnāt always legal to be a drag queen in the UK? Yep, believe it, back in the 19th century, some naughty rules called āThe Cross-Dressing Act of 1896ā existed. The whole thing said you needed ālawful excuseā to wear the opposite sex's clothing. Thankfully, we ditched that archaic law, allowing us drag queens to Shine our lights bright and live our fabulous truth!
Alright, now back to 1948! It seems that London was positively bustling with excitement. There were places like the Embassy Club, right in the heart of Leicester Square, putting on some amazing revues. Imagine: gorgeous outfits, catchy music, a sprinkle of scandal - it was the kind of energy that could power a whole city! This place was even hosting Ballroom Dance competitions! I can only dream of a pink tutu and dancing up a storm with the best of them.
In New York, it seems that drag was a little more discreet. Now, this is going to sound a tad extra but it was still the Golden Age of Hollywood. The city was buzzing with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood icons, but behind closed doorsā¦ well, the gay community was flourishing. Gay bars, though shrouded in secrecy, were becoming safe havens. Imagine the underground speakeasy energy, complete with delicious drinks and a dash of mystery!
Think about this, darlings, 1948 was an exciting time to be alive. It was a time of rebuilding, a time for dreams to blossom, and you know what else was blossoming? Drag, darling! It was spreading its wings, becoming a beautiful, multifaceted form of expression, even amidst a world with itās own shade of *complicated.
Right now, here in 2023, drag is as big as it's ever been, with so much talent out there - and we can look back to these humble beginnings to appreciate the incredible journey weāve all shared. Just imagine the PINK evolution since 1948!
We might not have known the extent to which we were in a āgolden eraā, but, I tell you, the glimmer was definitely there!
While we were traveling, some *showstopping moments were happening! We were so lucky to find a program at a London theater advertising the following shows in the world of entertainment:
London Palladium: āLondon Sings!ā: a lavish musical featuring a blend of pop and musical theatre acts, perfect for your Saturday night!
The Drury Lane Theatre: "Salad Days": a light, whimsical musical about the dreams of a couple, sure to get you giggling in the aisles!
The Victoria Palace Theatre: "The Two Mrs. Carrolls": a play with a touch of drama about secrets and mistaken identities. You'd be doing your eyes a favour by seeing these gorgeous costumes and the dramatic reveals!
Itās so hard to imagine, dear friends, that just a few years after World War II, life was returning to normal - *well, as ānormalā as it can be! *So the next time you're in London, do visit these theatres! And you might just spot me, twirling around in my bright pink tutu, enjoying the sheer joy of seeing great live shows!
Of course, being a savvy time-traveling drag queen, I canāt help but sprinkle in a little fashion flair from this fabulous year. 1948 was an era defined by classic chic and streamlined silhouettes.
Think sharp tailoring, a splash of color with a pinch of whimsy.
Pencil Skirts and Tailored Jackets - I mean, how elegant, donāt you think? And how *easy they are to make over! Donāt throw them out! Give them a new life!
- Big, voluminous hats- perfect for statement-making, arenāt they? I just love a touch of drama, especially when you can hide your * fabulous** hair underneath!
High-waisted dresses- perfect to cinch you in at the waist, elongating your silhouette - the more fabric, the more glorious, I always say.
Letās embrace the ā50s, darling! Pink, naturally, was the ultimate power color, and we dragged it around with such confidence. This colour just radiates positive vibes, itās like a hug in a hue! So much love, so much fierce, such a powerful aura - It is indeed the colour of queens.
*1948 and my fabulous time travel just goes to show how much things change and how much they remain the same. Drag has been an essential part of our community's story since time immemorial, a vital part of expressing ourselves and living authentically . As you know, Iāve never stopped spreading the pink love - and itās so amazing to see so much acceptance, diversity and celebration today, more than ever before! It really is an era of *āPinkā Power !
And with that, dear darlings, my pink tutuās already starting to shimmer, reminding me that I need to get back to the present - a place filled with Pink Tutu fashion to share! Until next time, remember, wear that pink tutu with pride!
Stay glamorous, Emma xx
PS: Do tell me, what do you think I should write about next? Hit up those comments with your ideas - the more exciting the historical events the better! And as always, you know where to find me for the ultimate fashion inspiration - pink-tutu.com!
P.P.S. If you want a taste of pink tutu perfection in 2023 - you have got to join me on * February 2nd! It's my big monthly performance at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. I'm channeling pinktastic energy with my ā50s vibes show, darling, just for you! Donāt be a drama llama and be sure to be there, because youāre in for a real treat! I hope to see you all in the front row - my heart just melts for pink tutu-loving friends!
