Google Doodle celebrates iconic dancer, choreographer Willi Ninja; all you need to know about the ‘Godfather of Voguing’
As per Google, Willi Ninja paved a path for Black LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in the 1980s and ’90s. The community he created, “The Iconic House of Ninja,” lives on to this day.
PremiumGoogle is celebrates iconic dancer and choreographer Willi Ninja's legacy today with a special Doodle. As per Google, Willi paved a path for Black LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in the 1980s and ’90s. The community he created, “The Iconic House of Ninja," lives on to this day.
Willi's real name was William Roscoe Leake and was also known as the ‘Godfather of Voguing’ - a dance form.
In 1990, the documentary Paris is Burning which featured Willi and the Iconic House of Ninja was released in the US at the NewFest New York LGBT Film Festival.
The Doodle video was illustrated by Rob Gilliam, and edited by Xander Opiyo, with original music by Vivacious and performers in the video are the current members of the House of Ninja who are dancing in celebration of Willi’s legacy, Google said in a statement.
Here's all you need to know about Willi Ninja
Born in 1961, Willi Ninja grew up in Flushing, Queens. Willi's mother supported his identity and encouraged his interest in dance by taking him to ballet performances at the Apollo Theater.
Although his mother couldn’t afford expensive dance lessons, it didn’t stop Willi from teaching himself the moves that would make him a star one day.
He mastered the art of voguing, a dance style that blends fashion poses with intricate, mime and martial arts-like movements. This dance form emerged from Harlem ballroom scene, which was a safe space founded by LGBTQ+ Black and Latino folks to celebrate self expression and togetherness, as stateed by Google.
Most Black and Latino ballroom participants who belonged to this group were known as houses who offered an extended social family and safety net for those who face rejection from biological relatives.
In 1982, Willi co-founded his very own community called the House of Ninja, and later continued to provide support and guidance for his house members even after he became famous.
Willi established new dancing methods that revolutionised voguing norms, inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphs and martial arts.
Willi also performed in films, music videos, and luxury runway shows around the world and his moves had inspired celebrities ranging from Madonna to Jean-Paul Gaultier.
In 1990, he was featured in the documentary, Paris Is Burning, where his unique dance style was showcased on the big screen. The film was a big success and exposed Willi’s work to a wider audience.
Apart from dancing, he was also a powerful advocate for his community.
Willi was also one among the first to raise HIV/AIDS preventive awareness at drag balls and played an pivotal role in helping to reduce the stigma around it.
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