Willi Ninja was a visionary performer and choreographer who is widely regarded as the “Godfather of Voguing.” Today’s captivating video Doodle pays tribute to his indelible legacy.
Willi paved the way for the inclusion and representation of Black LGBTQ+ individuals in the 1980s and 1990s with his groundbreaking performances. His enduring legacy lives on in the flourishing community he founded, known as “The Iconic House of Ninja.”
Rob Gilliam contributed his exceptional illustrations to this remarkable Doodle video, while Xander Opiyo deftly edited the piece, which features original music by Vivacious.
Current members of the House of Ninja (Archie Burnett Ninja, Javier Madrid Ninja, Kiki Ninja, and Akiko Tokuoka, also known as KiT Ninja) enthusiastically participate in the celebration of Willi Ninja’s extraordinary journey by showcasing their extraordinary dance abilities. On this date in 1990, the influential documentary “Paris is Burning,” starring Willi Ninja and the Iconic House of Ninja, debuted at the renowned NewFest New York LGBT Film Festival.
Willi Ninja, born in 1961 and raised in Flushing, Queens, was privileged to have a mother who embraced his true identity. Encouraging his interest in dance by taking him to Apollo Theatre ballet performances, she fostered his creative spirit.
Willi Ninja was unable to receive formal dance training due to financial constraints, but his determination drove him to teach himself the captivating movements that would propel him to fame.
Willi mastered voguing, a captivating dance technique that combines fashion poses with intricate mime and martial arts-inspired movements. An artistic revolution, voguing emerged from the vivacious Harlem ballroom scene, a haven founded by Black and Latino LGBTQ+ individuals seeking self-expression and unity.
Central to this movement were the “houses,” which provided a sense of extended family and safety to those who had been rejected by their biological relatives. Willi co-founded the House of Ninja in 1982, which continued to provide unwavering support and guidance to its members even as his own fame increased.
Willi introduced innovative dance techniques that redefined voguing’s standards, influenced by ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and martial arts. In the 1990s, his unmistakable talent propelled him to the pinnacle of success, as he appeared in films, music videos, and prestigious fashion shows around the world. His mesmerising moves influenced numerous personalities, including Madonna and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Willi Ninja’s distinctive dance technique was introduced to a wider audience through the seminal 1990 documentary “Paris is Burning.” His work was elevated by the film’s resounding success, allowing his artistic vision to resonate with innumerable admirers.
Willi Ninja was a potent advocate for his community in addition to his extraordinary contributions to the dance world. Early on, he recognised the importance of raising awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention within the drag ball culture, and he played a significant role in eradicating the disease’s stigma.
Today, we express our deepest gratitude to Willi Ninja for his incalculable contributions to the world of dance and the global visibility he brought to Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ identities. Willi’s essence lives on as long as the House of Ninja continues to dance in his honour, inspiring generations to embrace their true selves and embrace the power of unity.
