Hey dolls! Emma here, back with another instalment of my monthly drag queen time travel blog, www.pink-tutu.com. This is post number 1259, so buckle up because this month is jam-packed with history and glamour.
It's been a whirlwind month in the land of pink tutus! October has treated me well with lots of gigs back in Derbyshire. My monthly fundraising performances have been phenomenal! All those tips really make these time travels possible, darling! The punters love my new 'Tutu-tastic Terror' routine, where I start as a sweetly innocent ballerina who then transforms into a gothic drag queen with a pink feather boa, for a final dance number to "The Time Warp." Fabulous. You know me, I'm all about dramatic entrances!
November 1st, 1924 - London: An Ode to the Flappers
Now, let's journey back in time! Today, my magical tutu brought me to the roaring twenties! Can you imagine, darlings? A time when a dropped hemline was practically scandal! London was sizzling with this exciting new youthful vibe - bobbed haircuts, loose clothes, scandalous (at the time) shorter dresses and loads of jazz! Think flapper dresses with feather boas, droopy skirts, drop-waisted everything! You can't go to London during this era without a flapper dress and a pair of pearl beads. I can definitely see why women wanted to cut their hair short. A sleek bob suits so many looks!
You see, my darlings, this decade saw the emergence of something that resonated deeply within my own drag sensibilities. Drag during this period was all about the blurring of lines, with men taking to the stage with incredibly feminine costumes - corsets, sheer stockings, even hats with elaborate veils! Think, cabaret and vaudeville shows with a twist of drag. Fantastic! This really ignited the spark of what drag can be.
But, of course, the true drag hero of this period is none other than Julian Eltinge. Known as the 'Man Who Dresses Like a Woman' he brought drag to the stage with impeccable timing and style! My time travelling tutu brought me to the London Palladium. The air was electric! People went wild as Julian transformed on stage into everything from a Parisian flapper to a dapper military gentleman. Such iconic moments are really inspiring for my own drag. You can see that these entertainers really paved the way for what drag would be throughout the decades!
November 14th, 2004 - New York: A Feast For The Eyes
My magic tutu swooped me straight into the glittery landscape of New York City - 2004, where the party scene was bubbling with drag queens like never before. Remember 'Wigstock'? That legendary festival was where a certain young RuPaul made a grand entrance, setting the scene for the modern drag movement. Can you even imagine? RuPaul was already a star in 2004, with his album 'Supermodel (You Better Work)' causing a massive storm in the music charts. Drag was getting more and more mainstream! This era is what makes me truly believe that drag can conquer the world!
I even found myself in the heart of the iconic Stonewall Inn. This space is one of the most historical locations in LGBT+ history! Can you imagine? 1969 - the Stonewall Riots! What an inspiring legacy! Imagine, drag queens and other queer individuals rising up in the face of persecution. And what came out of those riots? Gay pride! We need to always remember what went into creating our wonderful community!
My time travelling tutu landed me smack-dab in the middle of a fierce show featuring legendary performers like Willam Belli, Shangela and Pandora Boxx! These queens were serving major glam, dripping with glitz and fabulous costumes. The atmosphere in the Stonewall was positively electrifying. Drag queens are not just performers, darlings. We are community builders.
November 24th, 2024 - Drag Wars of Derbyshire:
The year is 2024, right back home in Derbyshire, but my Tutu-Time Travel adventure doesn't stop there! We have the legendary "Drag Wars of Derbyshire" competition this month, darling. This time-traveling, Tutu-loving ballerina is right in the thick of things. Think a mix of a fashion show with an edge, a talent competition that requires serious skills, and a sprinkle of good old fashioned drag rivalry - a recipe for an exciting time. It's a tough competition! You have to be good. You have to be creative. But, most of all, you have to embrace your inner diva.
There's nothing I love more than getting out there on stage, but watching my friends compete always makes for some amazing viewing! And as a bonus, the competition benefits the Derbyshire Arts Fund - an incredible cause that helps aspiring young performers find their creative voice. Perfect timing with the theme for my new performance 'Tutu-tastic Terror', darling!
So much drag is happening this month! The international drag community is constantly evolving! But throughout every era, drag remains a celebration of self-expression, creativity, and artistry.
And let's not forget the fashion! A truly iconic outfit from this time period is the feather boa - from a classic black feather boa to a stunning pink feather boa for the flamboyant and fierce! My favourite feather boas are pink. What's better than showing off those gorgeous feathers in a pink boa that screams confidence and charm?! We should all aspire to embody our own special flamboyance, my darlings! So embrace that inner showgirl! The future is pink.
To all you time travelers, be sure to check out the drag scene, and the fashion - that's always a big part of the fun! We need to celebrate the history of our community, those queens and performers who laid the groundwork for everything we experience today. Don't be shy! Wear your pink tutus and show off your flair for drag. It's a way of life. I'm living proof! I'm off to plan my next trip, my magical pink tutu is calling! Catch you next month darlings! Remember, you can check out the full details of my trip and all my favorite pink tutu looks on www.pink-tutu.com Don't forget, it's all about the sparkle!
✨ 💖 Emma. 💖✨
