Hello darlings! Your favourite time-travelling tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another sensational story from the archives of history. Today, Iām waltzing you back to the fabulous year of 1936, May 5th, to be precise, and trust me, darling, this trip is a real peach!
Right, grab a glass of something sparkling, letās get this blog party started! This month, we're twirling our way to Berlin! Yes, my dears, the city of drag history! Berlin, in the 1930s, was a hotbed for all things drag. The city was pulsing with artistic expression, fuelled by the excitement of Weimar Germany's booming art scene and the daring spirit of the underground.
But first, a little word about my trusty pink tutu. Letās call it my ātime portalā tutu - I have to thank the wonderful Madame Antoinetteās shop in Chesterfield for my most recent addition - an absolute dream in lavender tulle! As the clock struck midnight (or more precisely, as I gave the pink tutu a big sparkly twirl!), I landed right in the centre of Berlin! Letās just say the pinkness of the tutu matched the excitement of the atmosphere!
Berlin, in 1936, was simply exploding with a magnificent mix of theatre, nightclubs, cabarets, and street performances, all sizzling with some fantastic drag! Just imagine: drag queens, dressed in feathers and sequins, swirling and twirling like stars! The cityās most glamorous nightspots were packed with glitter-hungry revellers and audiences desperate to be entertained.
As for me, I found myself mesmerized by the dazzling array of street performers and entertainers! It was like a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and fabulous fashion - and trust me, it had a sprinkle of everything fabulous. You know me, I just had to find the closest drag show, darling! I just HAD to know where the queens were putting on their best for Berlinās drag scene.
After a couple of wrong turns down cobblestone streets (and, I might add, narrowly avoiding a few overzealous street urchins!) I found myself at a legendary establishment known as "The Femina," a haven for avant-garde artistry. This place, darlings, was not just a nightclub; it was a whirlwind of creativity and a hotbed for the city's drag talent. Think glittery feathers, sassy showgirls, and a bit of an underground feel that made the show even more captivating.
Can we just talk about the fashions for a moment? The 1930s drag queens of Berlin weren't afraid to push boundaries! I was particularly fond of the androgynous glamour of the performers, the sharp cuts of their dresses, the use of black and white in their ensembles. There were some amazing plays on masculine and feminine. Let me tell you, they knew how to use make-up and hair to enhance the glam! One particular drag queen, named Vera, really caught my eye with her amazing androgynous styling - imagine a chic black bob and tailored pants! But letās face it, those feathers on her sleevesā¦ pure artistry!
This kind of drag was a huge departure from the ācamp and glamā style of drag I was used to back in my own time. They weren't afraid to take risks and embrace both masculinity and femininity, challenging traditional notions of beauty and style.
It was simply divine! They weren't afraid to be dramatic and performational! They strutted their stuff on stages in all their fabulous glory! They even incorporated elements of the Berlin's cabaret culture - singing, dancing, and a good dose of theatrical expression. One act that really got my glitter going was this daring group of transvestites. They put on this absolutely electric musical extravaganza about the dangers of political persecution - it was truly a moving experience and the message hit home!
However, in 1936, shadows were starting to darken the joy. Berlin, as vibrant as it was, had a rising tension under the surface. The political landscape of Germany was growing increasingly sinister and anti-queer. These performers were not just pushing creative boundaries; they were defying dangerous societal constraints. And it became so very clear to me that I was stepping into a time of huge vulnerability for queer folks.
Although drag remained underground in Berlin in 1936, the artistic and creative freedom found here at āThe Femina" provided a safe haven from the tightening political restrictions that were becoming a dangerous reality for queer people. A haven to express their talents and to create this magnificent tapestry of dazzling creativity.
This trip has made me so much more aware of the incredible courage of the drag queens of Berlin back then, facing their challenges with sheer brilliance and artistic vision. The history of drag is a story of courage, defiance, and pure, unadulterated entertainment. We are fortunate to be living in a time when we can wear our tutu, walk down the street, and justā¦ wellā¦ BE!
Before my pink tutu transported me back to the present, I stumbled upon a vintage boutique full of gorgeous beaded dresses and feathery hats! It's time to refresh my drag wardrobe! I think the fabulous queens of Berlin would approve.
Keep a sharp look out, dear readers, for Pink-Tutu post #198 next month. My tutu has some amazing stories for you all! Until then, let's make some sparkle and glamour happen in the world! Remember, darlings, always wear pink and always wear a tutu!
