Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu wearing time-travelling blogger! It's been another fabulous month of exploring history, sequins, and all things drag. April has been particularly delightful, filled with so much glamour, so let me take you on a whirl through some of the highlights...
A Royal Debut: From Derbyshire to Buckingham Palace!
April 1st saw me embarking on a truly royal adventure. Imagine, if you will, me in a bubblegum pink tutu, flitting around Buckingham Palace, a dream come true! This wasn't just any visit though. I was whisked back in time to witness the very first Drag Ball hosted by none other than Her Majesty Queen Victoria! Now, I know what you're thinking - "Emma, Queen Victoria was all about decorum! A drag ball? Never!" But my dearies, she was surprisingly progressive, embracing art and entertainment, even in its more, let's say "unconventional" forms!
The ball itself was a dazzling affair. Imagine an ornate ballroom bursting with colour and excitement, filled with elaborate costumes, hilarious acts, and the Queen herself laughing with abandon. One particular queen stole the show - a tall and majestic drag queen called "The Grand Duchess" who graced the ballroom with an impressive 10 foot high headdress. Talk about making a statement!
As the Queen's own "entertainer" in the past, I couldn't help but take notes. It’s all about making a grand entrance and delivering an unforgettable performance! Plus, let's not forget the fabulous outfits, a royal occasion calls for an extra dash of pink, my friends!
Crossing the Pond for a Drag Extravaganza
Next, I jetted over to New York City, landing smack-dab in the middle of a glorious drag history milestone - the opening of The Jewel Box. This haven of glamour and entertainment housed one of the very first legitimate drag nightclubs, opening its doors on April 7th 1924!
This spot was where all the flamboyant queens flocked, and I tell you, the drag scene was sizzling with excitement. Picture drag kings strutting in tuxedo attire, a scene straight out of a gangster film! They certainly weren’t afraid to push the boundaries! Even the cops in this era seemed to turn a blind eye to drag, I mean, what a blessing, right?
It was an electrifying experience to see how the art of drag blossomed in these spaces - think wild and glamorous acts, showcasing diverse identities and expressions. This was a place where drag wasn't just entertainment; it was a community. It gave me goosebumps, reminding me of why we do what we do, why we fight for recognition and acceptance.
From Burlesque to The House of Couture
I wouldn’t be a true pink tutu lover without venturing to the land of burlesque! And what better place to visit than Paris!
On April 14th, I found myself amidst the intoxicating beauty and extravagance of The Folies Bergère, a show featuring a starlit performance by the iconic, the fabulous, Josephine Baker. Talk about grace, confidence, and owning the stage! Imagine a dazzling outfit adorned with feathers and sequins, all with a touch of vintage Parisian charm! Josephine Baker’s drag act became iconic in its day.
Back in England, meanwhile, the legendary couture house, House of Worth, launched its debut on April 18th, a milestone for the world of fashion. House of Worth was at the heart of haute couture and the most prominent fashion houses of the time, so of course I had to visit! Imagine rows and rows of gorgeous garments. And get this, even back then they had fabulous colours and styles that even we would still swoon over!
My pink-tutu heart simply swooned over the stunning ensembles. It wasn’t just fashion though. It was the art of fashion! Each piece was a work of art, a dream come true! You see, when I’m time-traveling, darling, I’m not just exploring the past, I'm tracing the origins of drag and fashion, because the two are intertwined, you know, two sides of the same glittery coin!
From Derbyshire to Drag Queens Around The Globe
My last stop was the one closest to my heart, back home in Derbyshire, in 2023. There’s been such a vibrant scene here. I can’t tell you how much it’s grown, even in my own little town, but it was the 5th Annual Derby Drag festival that had me in awe!
It’s always so much fun seeing our local Queens getting on stage. Some were total legends and there was even this sweet young talent, dressed up as a ballerina! My dear, you just had to love it! Her outfit was so bright, and sparkly, just like the future of drag itself!
The stage lights shimmered and sparkled like a disco ball, creating a magnificent, magical experience. Seeing so many amazing drag queens doing what they love, pushing their creative limits, truly got me thinking about the impact of drag and how it inspires people globally! And my dearies, if we are going to embrace it with even more strength and joy then this was the moment. It made me realize that the spirit of drag is more than a performance; it’s a movement!
My Final Words!
Well, my lovely friends, that’s my whirlwind adventure through April! This month reminded me of how history continues to weave its magic. From the flamboyant drag performances of London’s Drag Ball and New York’s Jewel Box to the iconic gowns of the House of Worth and the captivating beauty of Josephine Baker's performance at the Folies Bergère, the journey has been pure enchantment.
And who knows, maybe one day I’ll get to time-travel back to see my very first drag show, maybe to my local pub, who knows! What we know is this - with our unique looks, fierce performance, and fierce desire for freedom and self-expression, the legacy of drag is strong! We're a global movement with one mission: to make the world a more fabulous place, one pink tutu at a time! Don't forget to check back next month for another dazzling dive into history on www.pink-tutu.com. Stay glamorous!
## xx Emma
