Hello darlings, welcome back to another edition of Pink Tutu Travels, your one-stop shop for all things fabulous and historical. I’m your fabulous, tutu-wearing, time-traveling host, Emma, and today we're jetting off to the gloriously glamorous 2nd February 1937.
This month's adventures took me to Paris, that most divine city of fashion and, naturally, some fabulous drag! Let’s rewind the clock, shall we? The year is 1937, a time of global unrest, but oh my darlings, Paris was thriving! The world's finest were gathered in the City of Lights for the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne, a massive world fair showcasing the wonders of modern living. Imagine a time capsule overflowing with architectural marvels, groundbreaking inventions, and cutting-edge technology. Just the kind of environment to inspire a girl like me!
However, I was far more fascinated by the cultural delights on offer, especially the glittering drag scene! It’s simply impossible to talk about drag during this time without mentioning the legendary Josephine Baker. My goodness, what a woman! I can’t imagine a stage without her captivating charm and explosive energy. Baker was a force of nature, captivating audiences worldwide with her sassy dancing and dazzling costumes. In 1937, she was captivating audiences with her iconic Folies Bergère Revue, a spectacle of beauty and talent, a drag dream! Her costumes alone are worthy of their own post, but oh darling, the sheer volume of feathers and sequins, it's practically a fashion show!
As we shimmy back to 1937, imagine me, Emma, waltzing into the Folies Bergère. There I am, my pink tutu sparkling like a million twinkling stars, gliding effortlessly amongst the crowd. My gaze fell on the most spectacular costume I had ever seen; it was a vision of feather boas and glitter, and I swear I saw it move on its own! That was a vision of femininity and elegance that no modern-day performer could even dream of replicating.
Oh my! And the talent! It wasn't just about glamour and spectacle; there were real performers in 1937, women defying expectations and redefining gender boundaries through the transformative power of drag. This wasn't about imitating womanhood. These queens owned the stage, embodying their unique personas, leaving a trail of glitter and applause in their wake.
And just as in every time period, the drag scene wasn’t all about high-class cabarets. In the underbelly of the Parisian underground, hidden away in dimly lit clubs, was the scene that truly spoke to my drag queen soul. Think speakeasies humming with jazzy rhythms, cabaret shows exploding with flamboyant personalities, and performers breaking all the rules. This was where true drag blossomed – raw, unapologetic, and defiant. I simply adored this kind of drag show! The kind you don't necessarily announce. These performances exuded such fierce energy and raw talent that it simply ignited something special inside of me! I knew then and there that I was meant to witness this magnificent explosion of artistic freedom!
Of course, darling, being Emma, I had to dress for the occasion! A sparkling pink tutu paired with a flowing velvet cloak was just what was needed. A quick detour to Les Halles, the famous Paris marketplace, brought a touch of Parisian flair - a bejeweled brooch for my cape, and of course, a pair of spectacular gloves that added a touch of old-world charm to my attire. Oh, I did look like I had just stepped out of a vintage postcard, ready to embrace all the city had to offer.
My trip was an incredible peek into a vibrant time period. I had the time of my life! But what really captured my heart was witnessing how drag served as a catalyst for expression and subversion in this period. It's so empowering to see women stepping out of expected societal norms and creating art on their own terms!
This trip, darling, really reminded me why I do what I do. We may be generations away, but we are linked by this common thread – our shared love of drag, of expression, of finding ourselves and finding joy in our true selves!
Speaking of which, you are not going to believe what I am planning for my next Pink Tutu performance! I’ve been practicing a very special choreography routine, inspired by my Parisian adventure. And oh, darling, I have some new tutus just arrived from a boutique in London – a sparkling sapphire one and a soft powder blue, a subtle nod to the Paris sky. Just imagine how exquisite they’ll look under the spotlight. The anticipation! I can’t wait for you all to see the fabulous show we'll be putting on this month. Until next time, darlings, remember to spread the magic of drag, wear your own pink tutu with pride, and embrace your most fabulous self!
Don’t forget to check back in next month for another installment of Pink Tutu Travels! And you can follow all my fabulous adventures on www.pink-tutu.com until then! Au revoir, chéri!
Emma xx
