Hey, my lovelies! It's your girl Emma, and welcome back to Pink-tutu.com, where we're swirling, twirling, and time travelling through the glamorous history of drag!
June the 6th, 1923? You betcha, darlings! This gal's got a date with history... and you know I never miss a fabulous rendezvous!
As you know, Iâve recently been feeling rather flamboyant in my trusty pink tutu, with a new yearning to explore all corners of drag's glorious timeline. After all, itâs not enough to strut the catwalk in my hometown of Derbyshire! Itâs about exploring where drag has blossomed around the world!
This monthâs trip took me across continents in the blink of a pink sparkly eye! But before I tell you about my grand adventure, let me tell you about the fabulously flamboyant frock that got me there:
Pink Paradise: My Tutu Travel Companion
Let me tell you, darlings, my travel tutu for this journey was a masterpiece! Imagine: the most stunning, shimmering shade of pink you ever did see, adorned with thousands of tiny pink sequins. It was all a-flutter as I stepped into the swirling time portal, creating a sparkling trail behind me!
Every inch of my costume radiated elegance: a sheer, flowy tulle skirt that ended in an explosion of ruffles, matched perfectly by a sparkling pink bodice. Topped with a stunning feathery headdress, it's enough to make the angels swoon!
Onward and Upward: June 6th, 1923 - Let's get those sequins spinning!
This month, the time travel tutu took me straight to the heart of a bustling Parisian cafe. I got whisked straight back to the glorious Roaring Twenties! Imagine - all that jazz and glitz, every corner brimming with glamorous ladies in flapper dresses!
Paris was absolutely buzzing with energy. Now, this time in Paris had the world's first drag balls, known as âBal de la Chasse Ă l'Hommeâ! Think glittering chandeliers, sparkling cabaret acts, and ladies in dapper suits, performing fabulous, sassy acts with panache and wit! It truly made for a thrilling evening!
Now, even though these ballets were strictly secret events, the whole town of Paris was abuzz with the talk of these events. I overheard whispered tales of women slipping away to enjoy the drag acts and ball, then returning the following day looking refreshed, rejuvenated, and completely glammed up, a testament to the infectious energy that radiated through the Parisian streets. They had secret dances for men who wanted to dress in womenâs attire. Itâs all very scandalous and wonderful!
That evening, I made my way to a dazzling show, where a group of ladies called âles femmes en pantalonsâ (the ladies in trousers) performed the most fabulous acts, dancing and performing, all in a secret room hidden away behind the bar of the "Cabaret Rouge."
Even though there wasnât any public awareness, the "Bal de la Chasse Ă l'Hommeâ events truly show how drag has always been about finding joy and expression. They even had fabulous theatrical revues where women impersonated men who had gone out on a man hunt - a whole evening of laughs, glamorous entertainment, and social satire! All of it just goes to show how these events were an incredible example of how early drag performers embraced gender play and created a world where everyone could have fun and express their inner divas, even if only in secrecy.
Over to America:
I travelled next to a vibrant, electrifying drag scene across the pond in New York. You just wouldnât believe the fun they have! They were known to host âDrag Balls,â or âCostumed Ballsâ, a whole entire scene all dedicated to drag with elaborate costuming!
At this time, Harlem's "Rainbow Ball" became known for a different, less frivolous take on drag. The event saw its first performance by drag performer, Gladys Bentley! Her performances incorporated more social and political commentary as part of the Harlem Renaissance! Her work addressed issues around gender and sexuality.
This time period is a real testament to the talent that drove the American drag scene, and their fearless, innovative approaches to drag! It was clear that the pioneers of drag, particularly women who identified as lesbian or bisexual, used the platform to promote civil rights for all and break barriers, through their daring outfits and performances. The drag performances went from something scandalous to more artistic expressions of defiance!
As I walked those New York streets, I really felt that energy and expression! I learned that itâs truly a historical legacy of incredible bravery!
To a Different Side of The World
As I swished back home in my sequined wonderland, my trip wasn't over! It wasnât just about New York, Paris, or even Derbyshire - I travelled further than I ever thought I could.
I ventured out across the world to the city of Tokyo! This was a journey filled with wonder, and a huge eye-opener to the vibrant world of Kabuki theatre, which was still enjoying enormous popularity! This theatre style saw women playing male roles as far back as the early 17th Century!
Now, there weren't "Drag Queens" as we know them today in Tokyo in 1923. It was a world of refined theatrical performances! I went to see performances in grand theatres, with actresses in stunning kimonos, perfectly playing both masculine and feminine roles.
What a beautiful scene that gave the world of drag its roots in gender fluidity and an exploration of beauty! This is an art that has influenced and inspired many modern day drag queens and performances in the west!
Coming Up: Bringing Back The Glory
Well, my loves, that's it for this time! This trip has truly taken my pink heart across continents!
These days, all around the world weâre witnessing an incredible return to tradition, style and creativity in drag. With performances like RuPaulâs Drag Race shining the spotlight on the artistry of drag queens and kings around the globe, more and more people are embracing the bold fashion, theatrical skill, and dazzling artistry that drag has always had.
Every month I will be back with more from my travels and the adventures of tutuing through time.
And that's whatâs fabulous!
So, let your flags fly, girls and boys! Make your way to the stage, to a street corner, and even your own bedrooms, because the world is yours for the taking. Join me on my journey to get everyone rocking that fabulous pink tutu.
Letâs continue to celebrate drag, because it's a kaleidoscope of amazing colours that we can all get behind, and an incredible history we can all learn from.
Don't forget to pop by Pink-tutu.com, and stay glam!
And remember: Every month thereâs more to be found when it comes to celebrating all of history's incredible drag queens and kings. Until next month! XOXO, Emma
