Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad, time-travelling drag queen from Derbyshire, England, and welcome to my monthly dose of drag history. Grab your favourite cuppa, some fabulous biscuits, and settle in as I take you on a journey back in time to 10th October, 1953 - a day when drag, like a beautiful, blossoming rose, was already adding colour and vibrancy to the world!
Now, I know what you're thinking - a trip to 1953? Seems a bit, well, conservative for this little pink princess, right? But darling, the past is never just dusty tomes and black and white photos. Trust me, this period was chock-a-block with glamour and fabulousness, and believe me, those lovely ladies in the era had a knack for a touch of camp!
For the last few years, I’ve been diligently studying and performing drag and with my special, pink time travelling tutu, I am fortunate to share my drag experiences in my monthly time travelling blogs. You will love what I see in the past and in the future because there are a million little miracles to explore in the amazing world of drag, in every time zone, all over the world. Every month, I head off in my tutu, armed with a bag of sweets, to the distant corners of time!
Parisian Dreams & The Moulin RougeImagine this: It's October 10th, 1953. The crisp air of Paris swirls with the scent of croissants and the gentle music of the accordion. And me, my dears? I’m floating around the Moulin Rouge, marvelling at its red-velvet extravagance, and the breathtakingly glamorous world of the Parisian cabaret!
The iconic Can-Can is already a spectacle - an explosion of feathery legs and scarlet dresses, a dizzying ballet of femininity and fierce fun. As I slip through the backstage bustle, the air buzzing with excitement, I spot a dazzling array of costumes: shimmering gowns, elaborate headdresses, and sequins galore! It’s enough to make a queen weep with joy!
Though drag itself wasn’t explicitly referenced, the world of the cabaret thrived on defying gender norms, a celebration of theatrical spectacle, where costumes and makeup took on a life of their own. The Moulin Rouge's dance, while considered controversial at the time, is actually a beautiful nod to the enduring power of artistry to transcend expectations.
Drag in AmericaI don’t need to tell you that America, that land of opportunity, is always overflowing with glamour. While there were still some pretty tight social regulations back in 1953, there were still opportunities for fabulousness and self-expression! Think of the likes of Julie Andrews, a stunning example of female-identifying performers.
Drag is such a part of my daily life - I love wearing my tutu in town and I get so excited if anyone else wants to join me. But we are going through a time of rapid societal change. In just 12 years, in 1965, a Drag Queen named "Crystal Labeija" would join the Ballroom Culture, in Harlem in New York, which is such an iconic moment in our history. The balls were hosted in secret.
One place where drag was undeniably embraced in 1953? San Francisco! And don't you fret, darling, I was right there with my trusty pink tutu and my ever-present excitement. The burgeoning theatre scene in the Golden Gate city was alive with innovative performers, both on and off-stage! This is the era of groundbreaking musicals, and even though we might not have had out and proud drag queens doing full stage shows yet, the seeds for a future full of fabulous were already sown.
Remember, a queen is always ready to slay! From the flamboyant glamour of the Parisian Moulin Rouge to the electrifying atmosphere of San Francisco’s underground scene, 1953 was brimming with the unspoken spirit of drag, waiting for its time to burst forth in a vibrant, glorious way.
A Pink Tutu, and A Pinch of Sass: Finding Your Inner QueenRemember darlings, you don't have to travel through time to experience the wonder of drag. Find that beautiful, bold expression inside you. Step outside your comfort zone, whether it's experimenting with makeup or daring to try a fierce fashion statement! Even a touch of glitter or a bright lipstick can add a touch of sassy drag to your daily life. I personally think that wearing a pink tutu is a wonderful place to start!
The beauty of drag, I believe, is not just about looking spectacular but feeling confident and proud. And it's this feeling, that shared love of the art form, which brings us together - whether you're in 1953, or sipping cocktails with your girls in 2023.
Until next month, darlings! Remember, the world is a stage, and you are the most beautiful star!
