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In Loving Memory of The Icon Willi Ninja - USA |
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12 April 1961 - 2 September 2006
The Harlem ballroom scene birthed a legendary man who many consider the godather of vogue- dancer, choreographer, runway teacher and mother of his own house, Willi Ninja. Self-taught choreographer, dance and runway teacher Willi Ninja, born William Leake, is considered the father of voguing- dance moves popular in the 70s and 80s. Ninja was inspired by Fred Astaire, "Great Performances" on PBS, Asian culture, Olympic gymnasts and the martial arts- thus the name of his founding house, the House of Ninja. He considered the members of his house to be swift and highly capable in the ballroom and out.
Ninja had a vision of making voguing a worldwide phenomenon. Ninja even influenced Madonna after she saw a group of young kids voguing in New York City's Washington Square Park. Madonna used that influence to introduce Ninja's perfected dance moves to mainstream culture with her single "Vogue". He was also featured in the documentary Paris Is Burning (1990) which chronicled the Harlem drag ball competitions. When not walking the balls, Willi Ninja professionally taught women of New York City feminine grace, walks and dance. Willi Ninja died of AIDS complications on September 2,2006. He was 45 years old. Here are a few tributes to Willi Ninja across the gay blogsphere: - "As a friend and someone who loved him very much for all he has given us, I am really sad to write that Willi passed away." (Emanuel Xavier )
- "[Willi] politely introduced himself and we spent much of the night talking about that video and modern dance. "If I want to remembered for one thing," he said. "It's that I want to be known as an innovator." (Rod 2.0 )
- "My thoughts are with Willi, his family, friends, his house the House of Ninja, and the entire ballroom community during this sad time." (Jasmyne Cannick )
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