Willi Ninja facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Willi Ninja
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Willi Ninja demonstrating vogue style of dance in the film Paris Is Burning and How Do I Look.
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| Born |
William Roscoe Leake
April 12, 1961 New Hyde Park, New York, U.S.
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| Died | September 2, 2006 (aged 45) New York City, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Dancer and choreographer |
William Roscoe Leake (born April 12, 1961 – died September 2, 2006), known as Willi Ninja, was a famous American dancer and choreographer. He was best known for his amazing dance moves and for appearing in the film Paris Is Burning.
Willi Ninja was a key figure in the world of ball culture in Harlem. He was known as the "godfather of voguing". He created a unique dance style, taking ideas from dancers like Fred Astaire and even high fashion. His talent caught the eye of Jennie Livingston, who featured him in her film Paris Is Burning.
The film was very popular and helped Willi Ninja become even more famous. He used this chance to perform with many dance groups. He also created dances for others. In 1989, he starred in the music video for Malcolm McLaren's song "Deep in Vogue". This song helped bring his dance style to a wider audience. A year later, Madonna released her hit song "Vogue". This song made the voguing dance style even more popular around the world.
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Early Life and Dance Style
Willi Ninja was born in New Hyde Park, New York. He taught himself how to dance. By his twenties, he was already perfecting his unique voguing style. Willi was of mixed heritage, with African-American, Irish, Cherokee, and Asian roots.
He was known for making voguing very clean and sharp. His dance moves were influenced by many things. These included ancient Egyptian art, young Michael Jackson, Fred Astaire, and Olympic gymnasts. He also drew inspiration from Asian culture.
Willi Ninja's Career Highlights
Willi Ninja was a central part of Harlem's ball culture. He led his own group called the House of Ninja. Like other ball houses, this was a mix of a social family and a dance team. Willi was like the "Mother" of his House. He taught his students late into the night. They practiced on the old Christopher Street pier and in underground clubs.
Ninja appeared in several music videos. These included Malcolm McLaren's "Deep in Vogue" and "I Can't Get No Sleep" by Masters At Work. In 1994, he released his own song called "Hot." He also worked as a runway model for famous designer Jean-Paul Gaultier. He performed with dance companies and even taught Paris Hilton how to walk like a model.
In 2004, Willi Ninja opened his own modeling agency called Elements of Ninja. He also appeared on the TV show Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He was featured in the 1990 film Paris is Burning. He also appeared in the 2006 film How Do I Look.
Ninja also danced in two music videos for Janet Jackson's album Rhythm Nation 1814. These were "Alright" and "Escapade". He took great care of his mother, Esther Leake. She had Parkinson's disease. Their trips to the ballet and the Apollo Theater inspired his dance journey.
The House of Ninja
Willi Ninja started the House of Ninja in 1982. He created it with Sandy Apollonia Ninja. The name "Ninja" came from the group's interest in Asian culture and martial arts. It also came from how they seemed to appear "out of nowhere" in the ballroom scene.
The House of Ninja was known for being very diverse. Unlike most other houses at the time, it welcomed people of all races. They even included white men in their competitions. The House of Ninja has grown a lot over the years. Today, it has over 220 members all around the world.
Willi Ninja in Films and TV
Willi Ninja appeared in a few films and television shows. On August 8, 1991, he was a guest on The Joan Rivers Show. He appeared with other cast members from Paris Is Burning. They talked about the film and showed the audience how to "walk" like they were at a Drag Ball. In the same year, Ninja danced in a short film called Anthem.
Legacy and Impact
Willi Ninja passed away on September 2, 2006, in New York City. He continues to inspire many artists and music DJs even after his death. His unique dance style and his contributions to ball culture left a lasting mark on the world of dance and fashion.
See also
In Spanish: Willi Ninja para niños
