Darling, oh darling! How are you all? Have you donned your pink tutus yet, because I have! I’m Emma, your friendly neighbourhood drag queen blogger from Derbyshire, bringing you the latest and greatest from the ever-expanding, fabulous world of drag. And, guess what? You know how I love to get out and explore different eras with my trusty pink time-travelling tutu? Well, this month, I had a tutti frutti time zipping back to the dazzling Roaring Twenties!
My magical pink tutu whisked me back to 1920s New York, and darling, let me tell you, this city was absolutely bouncing! Flapper dresses, cloche hats, and a whole lotta jazz. This decade just oozed excitement and the feeling of freedom. And of course, there was drag!
But darling, before I spill the tea on the drag scene in the 20s, let's talk about this extraordinary decade. The Twenties were a time of massive change – the First World War had just ended, women had finally won the right to vote, and the entire world was abuzz with new energy and a new kind of modernity. Art, music, fashion, and yes, even drag, was completely revolutionized.
As I wandered down Broadway, I was living for the fashion! Everything felt so daring and chic. The flapper dress, the bob cut, the beaded fringes… these looks were not only beautiful but incredibly empowering for women, giving them a new level of freedom in both appearance and attitude.
The jazz music wafting from speakeasies (it was prohibition, you see!) set my soul on fire. The energy was electric, and every time I entered a bar, I felt the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance buzzing around me.
Now, onto the drag!
Believe it or not, drag was very much alive in the Roaring Twenties, but not necessarily as we know it today. Think "camp", think "vaudeville", and think "performative femininity". They were called "female impersonators", "drag artists", or even "pantomime queens". It was considered entertainment, not an art form. But still!
In the early 1900s, you could find many drag performances in Broadway theaters. And, darling, don't even get me started on the amazing variety shows! The Ziegfeld Follies were the most glamorous of the bunch, showcasing elaborate shows with musical numbers and comedy skits featuring stunning costumes and captivating dance routines.
In this era, a popular way for male entertainers to present drag was in a form called the "vamp" – which focused on dramatic, often slightly naughty, versions of femininity. Picture a sassy and alluring woman, a sharp wit, and some fabulous dance moves. Now imagine this all wrapped up in dazzling outfits and fabulous feathered boas! That's what the Twenties' "vamps" were all about.
You see, drag during this time wasn't all about glamour and fashion – there was an undeniable edge to it. A "vamp" wasn’t afraid to be shocking, bold, and maybe even a little controversial. And don't forget, this was an era when societal rules about gender expression were even more restrictive. Imagine having the guts to embrace drag in that atmosphere, darling! It takes a fierce spirit and an incredible amount of bravery.
As a drag queen who loves to get historical, I was thrilled to be able to step into this era and experience what drag looked like in the past. I actually spent some time at a famous "Drag Ball" - an extravagant ball where cross-dressers danced and performed under the lights. It was intense – with all that fringe and flapper energy. I even found a very sweet gentleman with a pink-tutu lookalike who offered me a dance!
Of course, I brought along my trusty Pink Tutu for a quick photo op in Times Square. I mean, what's a trip to the roaring twenties without a bit of photo documentation for posterity, right?
Speaking of documentation, here are some incredible resources to get you immersed in this vibrant history:
"Drag Queens on the Stage" by Mark E. O'Donnell - This book is a brilliant read! You will absolutely love learning about drag's beginnings on stage.
"Performing Gender: On Stage and Off" edited by Rosemarie Tong: A phenomenal collection of essays exploring the social and cultural aspects of performing gender.
"The Autobiography of Gypsy Rose Lee" by Gypsy Rose Lee: Gypsy was a drag queen who rose to fame in the burlesque world during the Roaring Twenties. Read her fascinating life story, my darling!
These resources provide wonderful insight into drag history, and, if you’re anything like me, they'll give you even more appreciation for the history of this vibrant art form and all its fantastic, unique twists and turns!
Now, darling, let’s go back to the present day… The world of drag has changed dramatically since the 1920s, but one thing that hasn't changed is the fierce spirit and creativity of those who dare to break the mold and express themselves freely. And, I believe it's this courage and self-expression that fuels the ever-growing world of drag.
It's no surprise that drag has exploded in recent years! Shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "Canada's Drag Race" have introduced the art form to millions of viewers worldwide, showing the artistry and performance potential of drag while simultaneously breaking down stereotypes and sparking vital conversations about gender identity and expression.
And guess what else is going on in the drag world in 2043? We’ve got so much to celebrate!
Firstly, the annual Drag World Cup is set to take place in the UK this year – you know how much I love those massive Drag World Cups, right? The theme for this year’s competition is Pink Perfection, so imagine the incredible pink looks we’re going to see!
Another important event happening this month is the inaugural International Drag Arts Symposium in Berlin. They are bringing together some of the most talented drag performers, artists, academics, and critics for discussions about drag, its future, and its ever-expanding influence in modern society.
Darling, the future of drag is so bright it’s positively pink! There are now drag shows happening all over the world, from London to Tokyo and everywhere in between. Drag is now part of mainstream culture, and its positive messages about acceptance, diversity, and freedom are spreading far and wide.
I firmly believe that the world can always be a little more pink. We need to bring a bit of sparkle, joy, and flamboyant fun into everything. So darling, whether you are a drag queen, a drag fan, or simply someone who wants to make the world a more dazzling and joyful place – get into a pink tutu! The more pink, the better!
I’ll see you back next month with another incredible journey from the archives!
Love and pink,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
