#DragQueenHistory during 2017 10

Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink, fabulous, and utterly time-traveling! I'm Emma, your resident tutu-tastic time-traveler, and today, my lovelies, we're whisking ourselves back to a most glorious time – 1917!

Imagine, my dears, the glamour of a world not yet tainted by the dreary hues of beige! Back then, the stage was a riot of colour and glitter, a place for our sisters to shimmy and sashay their way into our hearts. But we're getting ahead of ourselves, let's put on our pinkest tutus and prepare to embark on a little history adventure, shall we?

You might think that 1917 was all about rationing and hardship, but don't you worry your pretty little heads. The world of drag continued to thrive, even amidst the turmoil of the Great War. My little time-traveling tutu took me to a hidden club in New York City, one of the capitals of American drag, and oh darling, the atmosphere was electric! The dancers, who would've been called "burlesque artists" then, strutted and pranced, their sequins glistening under the dim lights. They knew how to work an audience, pulling out every sassy flourish, a whisper of a feather boa, and a knowing glance to set hearts fluttering. The audiences, too, were roaring with delight, the excitement crackling through the air.

But darling, it wasn't all nightclubs and sparkling gowns. My trusty pink tutu also transported me across the pond to London, the city where the legendary "Drag Balls" were held. You see, before drag became mainstream and accessible, it was more of an underground movement. These balls were secret gatherings for queer folks to celebrate their identities and find a sense of belonging.

Just imagine, a hundred years ago, a world without social media! These drag balls were their platform for sharing stories, finding inspiration, and becoming a family. You might have stumbled upon a "Queen of the Night" ball or a glamorous "masquerade" event. These balls, filled with dazzling performances and elaborate costumes, provided a crucial sense of community for LGBTQ+ individuals, allowing them to express their true selves in a safe environment.

Of course, this was a time when being a woman outside the home could be quite shocking, so many drag performances relied on witty banter, physical comedy, and a touch of bawdy humour, cleverly disguised as "entertainment." These queens were true trailblazers, pioneers pushing the boundaries of societal expectations and sparking joy and laughter in the process.

While it's easy to romanticise this era, we can't forget the risks and dangers our drag ancestors faced. In a time where homosexuality was criminalised in many places, performing drag often involved walking a tightrope of societal disapproval.

I mean, darlings, have you ever tried squeezing your fabulous self into a corseted costume? Let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart, especially under the disapproving glare of some societal norm! Yet, these courageous souls persevered, defying expectations with every swish of their skirts and every perfectly applied stroke of rouge.

Fast forward to the end of 1917, and you find a drag scene, as lively and defiant as ever. New York saw the rise of drag shows like "The Follies," filled with flamboyant acts and elaborate spectacles that captivated the city. In London, the whispers of these balls, passed down through hushed voices and clandestine networks, fuelled the flames of acceptance, paving the way for the drag movement we know and love today.

Speaking of acceptance, darling, there's something quite magical about the power of pink. From my own time traveling adventures, I can tell you it is the color of joy, hope, and a whole lot of sassy swagger. So, darling, if you're feeling brave, embrace your inner pinkness! Slip on a tutu, let loose, and celebrate the power of self-expression. After all, darling, just like those pioneering queens from 1917, we're making history with every strut, every lip sync, every perfectly placed feather boa. And that, darlings, is what truly makes the world go round.

So, go on and make a statement. Let your pinkest self shine, and never stop believing in the power of a tutu to make the world a more dazzling, accepting place!

Until next month, stay fabulous, and never forget to shimmy!

Lots of love and a whole lot of sequins,

Emma
xxx

Don’t forget to catch me at one of my local shows! My next performance is at "The Rainbow Room," so if you're in Derbyshire, pop along for an evening of sparkles and surprises!