Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveler, ready to take you on another fabulously fabulous journey through drag history! This month, my magical pink tutu has whisked me back to the 10th of October 1948, a date that, as a fan of all things drag, simply had to be explored!
As you know, my passion is sharing the rich and fascinating history of drag with the world, inspiring everyone to embrace their inner fabulousness, and of course, rocking a pink tutu.
This month, my journey started at my local Derbyshire theatre, where I had been performing a cabaret act called "Twirling Through Time" (naturally featuring a flamboyant tutued performance, a spectacular light show, and the most gorgeous sparkly costume, thank you very much). The energy from the audience was electric, a total joy! As the applause died down, a glorious sensation of tingling energy filled my body, and before you could say "Viva la Diva!", I was whisked back to 1948, with the most amazing pink tutu I have ever worn.
Now, I'll be honest, 1948 wasn't the easiest time for the visibility of drag, at least not in a way we would recognize today. But let me tell you, dear readers, the magic of drag had a strong hold on the hearts and minds of those in the know. I landed in New York City, a bustling metropolis filled with incredible sights and even more incredible sights. From the fashionably fabulous street wear of New York's iconic drag balls to the whispered gossip in the underground speakeasies, there was a distinct sense of liberation in the air, and let me tell you, it felt like pure magic!
The year 1948 was a time of burgeoning postwar prosperity, which also sparked a revival of nightlife in the big apple. Clubs, bars and drag balls thrived in New York City, with drag queens like the legendary "Madame" and "La Belle" leading the charge. These pioneers created a culture where expressing themselves and embracing their femininity was seen as a symbol of strength and defiance. Imagine, just because of the clothes they wore, these amazing ladies challenged societal norms, all whilst looking absolutely stunning! I felt so inspired by these trailblazers and the freedom they exhibited.
However, I couldn't stay in one place! A fabulous vintage pink tulle skirt that I just had to purchase at the local flea market (and of course, immediately tried on with my new pink tutu, divine!) got me thinking of travelling further, to the epicentre of Parisian fashion - oh, I had to visit Paris! I needed a little Parisian chic inspiration, and a pink tulle skirt for my next act back home, right?!
Let's be honest, nothing shouts "femininity" louder than Parisian fashion! It's like the ultimate combination of elegance, sophistication and fabulousness – and oh my gosh, the couture was incredible. I mean, talk about high-end artistry! While it wasn’t drag, exactly, you could just FEEL that Paris was a hotbed of bold self-expression, just waiting for drag to blossom. There was a whole community of talented drag artists performing in cabarets like "Le Bal du Moulin Rouge", though a touch more glamorous than "underground" that was going on in New York! And who could forget the famous drag queen, Coco Chanel?! She really embodies that 'powerful female figure, with style' vibe. The pink tutus here were amazing!
Let's be honest, when you're a pink tutu-wearing time traveller, you always end up dancing! It is simply fate, dear reader! A fantastic dance party in a chic French bistro later (with plenty of fabulous outfits, of course, especially since the music had a really retro '50s feel!) I realised that the journey wasn't just about finding amazing pink tutus or celebrating drag, it was about seeing how we, as fabulous creatures, make our mark on the world.
You see, drag is a powerful thing, an amazing act of rebellion, artistry, and creative self-expression, that has helped change the world, and for those of us who dare to stand out, to celebrate who we are, we are indeed pioneers! I, personally, strive to be a fabulous leader in the drag queen world, especially encouraging people to be true to themselves and rocking pink tutus in every decade, that’s my main mission, but seeing the queens of 1948 makes it even easier to inspire a modern drag scene!
Right now, I am back in Derbyshire, England. My journey back in my pink tutu wasn’t without it’s difficulties, the whole "crossing timezones thing", a minor issue! I actually landed smack bang in the middle of my performance! What luck! It really did take "twirling through time" to another level.
Oh, and, you know, there are loads of amazing places in England to see drag! Let me know where to head in the comments below!
But one thing's for sure: drag isn't just a show, it's a feeling, it's an energy, it's an embodiment of pure, fabulous, unrestrained joy. So let's embrace our individuality, celebrate the dazzling beauty of drag and above all, keep those tutus twirling!
Until next time, darling!
Love,
Emma (Your time travelling, tutu-wearing drag queen blogger)
www.pink-tutu.com
