Helloooo darlings! Emma here, your resident time-travelling ballerina queen, and it's time for another flutter through the archives of Drag Queen history! Buckle up, because today we're twirling back to 3rd March 1930. Oh, and did I mention this fabulous journey will take us across the globe, from the glittering stages of London to the wild cabaret scenes of Berlin? Let's get this party started!
As always, my trusty pink tutu (with a sprinkling of sequined stars, naturally) transported me effortlessly to this unforgettable date. My trusty sequined bag was full of lipstick, and I was prepared to find the latest in the world of fashion, beauty and of course, drag!
London, London, London
Let's start our drag journey in the vibrant, theatrical heart of London. On this very day in 1930, one of the most legendary figures in the world of drag was gracing the stages of the West End. You might not know her name, but believe me, she was a trailblazer! Dame Elsie Carlisle, a transgender woman, was known for her stunning glamour and her powerhouse vocals. Imagine, darling, this woman dared to break barriers, strutting her stuff in sequins and feather boas on a stage brimming with men who didnât want to be there! Now thatâs some serious drag royalty!
Even if you werenât lucky enough to catch Dame Elsie performing, London was buzzing with theatrical entertainment, with countless shows, musicals and variety acts bursting with feather-boaed beauties and glamorous performers. The atmosphere, oh the atmosphere, would be buzzing with glamour, drama and laughter. Just imagine, darlings, you could pop along to a revue show where some fabulous men in dresses were doing the most divine can-can, then grab a cheeky supper with the rest of the theatre crowd! Wouldnât that be the perfect way to spend an evening?
A Little Berlin Blitz
Our next stop on this delightful trip back in time brings us to Berlin, a city teeming with art, music, and of course, nightlife! While Dame Elsie was owning London's stage, Berlin's cabaret scene was ablaze with "Frauen in Männerkleidern" (women dressed as men!). Picture this, darlings: clubs overflowing with dazzling performers in dazzling costumes, flamboyant styles, and daring acts!
On March 3rd 1930, one of the most famous drag clubs in Berlin, the "Die Bar Jeder Vernunft," would be alive with a roaring good time. Imagine a dimly lit bar, with flappers dressed to the nines, men decked out in daringly flamboyant clothes, and the electrifying sound of music weaving its magic through the crowd. I just know you could feel the electrifying energy, a thrill that danced with a pinch of rebellious energy!
Back to Derbyshire, with a Fashionable Twirl
While Iâm still trying to catch my breath after that trip across the continent (and, frankly, those feathers just wouldnât quit), letâs pull things back to home turf in Derbyshire, darling. And wouldnât you know it, a delightful discovery awaits us here. On this very date, the Derbyshire Evening Telegraph featured an article on âA Great Dress Fashionâ show, showcasing the latest trends in evening dresses!
I imagine it would be an explosion of shimmering silk, dazzling beads, and cascading tulle, all flowing together to paint a picture of glamour and style. The fashion of the day in 1930, as you all know, was just simply iconic! The elegant dresses, those glorious feathered headbands, the playful cloche hats - every detail screams sophistication, grace, and of course, that touch of daring flair. Just the inspiration we need, wouldnât you say, to step up our own style game?
Now itâs time to get fabulous, darlings!
My fellow fabulous beings, itâs time to dust off our dancing shoes, shimmy into our most dazzling outfits and strut our stuff!
Remember the drag pioneers who dared to break boundaries in 1930! Let's all make their efforts worthwhile! Weâre building a future where every stage is bursting with sequins, feathers, and smiles. And who knows, maybe by this time next year weâll all be twirling in a pink tutu, with a little feather boa and a smile as bright as our futures!
So until next month darlings, stay fabulous!
Emma, x
