Hello my darling dears! Your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing time traveller is back for another dazzling dose of Drag Queen History! It's your girl, Emma, from Derbyshire, and this month we're jetting back to 3rd March, 1944, with my trusty, magical, time-travelling tutu!
Now, let's be honest, 1944 wasn't exactly the time for high-kickin', feather-boa flaunting drag, what with the whole war thing and all. But that doesn't mean there wasn't a drag scene! Just like the true stars that we are, the drag community persevered, finding ways to bring joy and escapism to the world, even in the midst of such hardship.
Stepping Back in Time with a Touch of Glamour
As I pirouetted through the shimmering fabric of time, landing right smack-dab in the middle of 1944, I couldn't help but marvel at the contrast! While the world was in turmoil, the need for entertainment remained strong. And believe me, darling, drag was always ready to fill the void!
I took a stroll down a dimly lit New York street, imagining the hustle and bustle of a pre-war drag scene, those smoky, secret bars filled with hidden laughter and shimmying figures in full drag glory. You see, darling, before drag became the mainstream phenomenon we love today, it was a haven, a hidden world of creativity, self-expression, and oh-so-much fabulousness.
I think back to the iconic drag queen, Julian Eltinge, who reigned supreme during this time. His career spanned the early 20th century, showcasing incredible talent, defying the norms, and inspiring countless future queens. Can you imagine a queen so successful she was awarded "best female performer" by the Actor's Equity Association? Swoon! That's what I call leaving your mark on history, darling.
But it wasn't just the big-city queens I envisioned. In the quaint streets of Derbyshire, I pictured women pulling out their glamorous garb, dusting off their feathers, and transforming themselves into dazzling entertainers. The local theatres, dance halls, and even pubs might have had secret shows, little slices of escapism for people who longed for glamour and laughter in their lives.
I wouldn't be surprised if some of those early queens would be rocking the pink tutu too! A timeless symbol of femininity and grace, the pink tutu is, of course, essential to every queen's journey through time!
The Glamorous Past Fuels the Present
As I travelled back to my own time, my pink tutu still fluttering with the energy of 1944, I realised that every era, every moment in history, is touched by the spirit of drag. It’s the spirit of defying limitations, expressing yourself authentically, and bringing laughter and joy into the world, regardless of the challenges.
And just like those fearless pioneers of the past, today’s drag scene is full of talented, unique queens, who are pushing boundaries, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring a whole new generation of fierce performers and self-proclaimed drag-obsessed people like myself!
The drag shows are back in full swing, my darlings! After months of missed shows, we're back to live shows, glittering outfits, and the joy of a vibrant, colourful community. I'm back to dazzling the audiences with my pink tutu performances, using the power of the stage to spread a message of love, acceptance, and – of course! – the magic of a good pink tutu.
As for me, my travels in time aren't over. This is just the beginning of the Pink Tutu Chronicles, and I can’t wait to take you along for the ride, darling! Join me again next month for another captivating trip back in time to learn more about our fabulous drag history, because darling, let’s be honest – history is never really over until the tutu gets involved.
Love and sparkle,
Emma, your fabulous time travelling ballerina queen
P.S. Want to see me and my pink tutu in action? Follow me on Insta and Facebook! @PinkTutuEmma – Don't forget to tag me in your pink tutu outfits! #PinkTutuWorld #DragQueenHistory
(And yes, my lovely darlings, my travel expenses are paid for by my stellar performances – because we queens know how to work it!)
