Willi Ninja: The Godfather of Voguing

 

William Roscoe Leake (Willi Ninja ) was a trailblazing dancer, choreographer, and activist who helped promote voguing, a form of dance that emerged in the 1980s in New York City's African American and Latino ballroom scene. Ninja was born William Roscoe Leake in Flushing, Queens, New York in 1961. He began dancing at an early age, inspired by African American and Latinx dancers such as Josephine Baker and Eartha Kitt. Ninja began competing in ballroom dance events in the early 1980s when he immediately became known for his inventive and colorful style. He quickly rose to prominence in the ballroom scene, founding the House of Ninja, one of the most successful voguing houses in history.

Ninja had a significant influence on voguing. He contributed to the codification of the dance's moves and style, as well as its popularization outside of the ballroom environment. Ninja's work was featured in the seminal documentary "Paris is Burning," which helped to popularize voguing. Many contemporary dancers have cited Ninja as an inspiration, including Madonna.

Ninja died of AIDS-related complications at the age of 29 in 1990. His work as a dancer, choreographer, and activist continues to carry on his legacy. Ninja was a pioneer who helped to popularize voguing, and his art continues to inspire dancers and activists all around the world.

Here are some of Willi Ninja's most notable achievements:

• Founded the House of Ninja, one of the most successful voguing houses in history.
• Contributed to the codification of voguing motions and style.
• He appeared in the seminal documentary "Paris is Burning."

• His art has appeared in numerous films, music videos, and luxury runway events around the world.
• Madonna and Jean-Paul Gaultier have both been inspired by his motions.

Willi Ninja was a great pioneer who contributed to the transformation of the globe. For centuries to come, his legacy will continue to inspire dancers and activists.