Willi Ninja demonstrating vogue style of dance in the film Paris Is Burning (1990)
Born
William Roscoe Leake
April 12, 1961
New Hyde Park, New York, U.S.
Died
September 2, 2006 (2006-09-03) (aged 45)
New York City, U.S.
Occupations
Dancer
choreographer
William Roscoe Leake (April 12, 1961 – September 2, 2006), better known as Willi Ninja, was an American dancer and choreographer known for his appearance in the documentary film Paris Is Burning.[1]
Ninja specialized in voguing and was a fixture of ball culture at Harlem's drag balls who took inspiration from sources as far-flung as Fred Astaire and the world of haute couture to develop a style of dance and movement. He caught the attention of Paris Is Burning director Jennie Livingston. The film served as a springboard for Ninja. He parlayed his appearance into performances with a number of dance troupes and choreography gigs.[1][2]
In 1989, Ninja starred in the music video for Malcolm McLaren's song "Deep in Vogue", which sampled the then-unfinished movie.[1]
Ninja was a member of the LGBT community who died of AIDS complications in 2006.
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better known as WilliNinja, was an American dancer and choreographer known for his appearance in the documentary film Paris Is Burning. Ninja specialized...
Christopher Hall, and Robert Marcomeni in 1982) The House of Ninja (founded by WilliNinja) The House of Pendavis The House of Xtravaganza (founded by...
don't have to tell you, because you know you're ugly. And that's shade." WilliNinja, who also appeared in Paris Is Burning, described "shade" in 1994 as...
the father of the House of Ninja, a post given to him by the late WilliNinja of Paris is Burning fame. In his dance, Ninja incorporates aspects of martial...
community members Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, Freddie Pendavis, and WilliNinja! Lawrence, Tim (July 16, 2013). "Listen, and You Will Hear all the Houses...
several popular singles, including "Deep in Vogue", a collaboration with WilliNinja, best known for his appearance in the documentary film Paris Is Burning...
education and outreach. The film follows several ball "legends" such as WilliNinja, Kevin UltraOmni, Octavia St. Laurent, Pepper LaBeija, Jose Xtravaganza...
Cyndi Lauper, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, WilliNinja (the voguing icon and founder of the House of Ninja), Junior Vasquez, Tony Moran and Wolfgang Busch...
York drag ball scene and learned voguing from various people including WilliNinja. She also became involved with Cesar Valentino and the pair appeared...
performer (House of Amazon) WilliNinja – late ballroom performer known as "the godfather of voguing" (founder of the House of Ninja) Hector Xtravaganza – late...
websites. Adam4Adam is mentioned several times and it is noted that WilliNinja's profile remained posted on Adam4Adam months after his September 2006...
of nine philanthropists, including Jacob H. Horwitz. April 12, 1961: WilliNinja; dancer and choreographer. November 16, 1986: Omar Mateen; terrorist...
and teacher. Madrid is a member of the Legendary House of Ninja founded by the late WilliNinja and has worn the House Dance International vogue "Champion...
of Houses traditionally take the house name as their surname (e.g., WilliNinja) to denote their chosen family. In 1982, Hector Crespo joined the newly...
"The History of Voguing - Tributes to WilliNinja". UKBlackout.com. Retrieved November 14, 2010. "WilliNinja, godfather of 'voguing,' dies at 45". MSN...
finding "new" families in the ballroom scene, featuring ballroom icon WilliNinja who died shortly after being filmed for Lost in the Crowd. The film premiered...
Vogue" is also notable for McLaren's collaborations with vogue performer WilliNinja and filmmaker Jennie Livingston, who directed the promotional music video...
lackluster. House of Ninja: Ninja is an international voguing house created by House Father WilliNinja in 1982. House of Ninja in Legendary is the only...
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