Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
Words by Kaleb Nolen
Iconic Voguer Willi Ninja wearing Thierry Mugler body piece (1989) by Chantal RegnaultBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
Willi Ninja
Born William Roscoe Leake, Willi Ninja, became the Godfather of Vogue, in New York City’s Ball scene of the 1980s and 90s.
Icon Willi Ninja (2002) by Luna Luis OrtizBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
The Architect
Willi Ninja architected his distinctive style of vogue, using inspirations ranging from hieroglyphics to “catwalk”; he refined his style at the Christopher Street Piers, a staple cultural site of Ballroom history, in New York City.
Willi Ninja at Club Escuelita (2000) by Luna Luis OrtizBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
The Artist and His House
Asian fighting styles influenced Willi's innovation of voguing and its art form. Willi also believed in building a “safe-house” for members of the Black, Brown queer and trans community. In 1982, he established the “House of Ninja” (HoN).
House of Omni Ball Tracks Legendary Voguer Cesar Valentino background right Willi Ninja (1989) by Chantal RegnaultBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
The Pioneer
Willi's House, the House on Ninja--the HoN--innovated the technique of distinct lines created with the body. He rendered the name “Ninja” royal and central to the 1980s Ball scene.
Willi Ninja and Octavia St. Laurent (1999/2000) by Luna Luis OrtizBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
He Made Paris Burn
Willi's significant role in the 1990 documentary, Paris is Burning, showed him as a pioneer in choreography and dance technique. Paris is Burning assisted in lifting him to commercial success, with projects ranging from music videos, to film and TV
Icon Willi Ninja by Luna Luis OrtizBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
His Legacy
Ninja’s legacy is the legacy of voguing, and the exquisite form of dance and expression that he brilliantly developed. Ninja passed away on September 2nd, 2006, in New York City, but remains deathless in his art.
