The American dancer and choreographer William Roscoe Leake, better known by his stage name Willi Ninja (April 12, 1961 – September 2, 2006), is well known for his role in the documentary Paris Is Burning.
Ninja, who excelled in voguing and was a mainstay of ball culture at Harlem’s drag balls, drew inspiration for her dance and movement from far-flung sources like Fred Astaire and the world of haute couture. Director of Paris Is Burning Jennie Livingston noticed him. The movie acted as a launchpad for Ninja. He used his attractiveness to land choreographic jobs and appearances with several dance groups.
Ninja appeared in the 1989 music video for the song “Deep in Vogue” by Malcolm McLaren, which used a sample from an incomplete film at the time. Ninja, who was gay and had AIDS, passed away in 2006.
Early Years
Willi, a self-taught dancer who was born at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York, was honing his voguing style by the time he was in his twenties. Willi, who claimed to have Irish, Cherokee, and Asian ancestors, was born to a black woman and was of mixed racial origin.
Jennie Livingston learned his moniker from other voguers in Washington Square Park. Although he did not design the form, he labored to “an amazing level” of perfection with crisp, precise movements. Kemetic hieroglyphics, a young Michael Jackson, Fred Astaire, Olympic gymnastics, and Asian culture were among his influences.
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How much is Willi Ninja’s Net Worth?
Willi Ninja’s net worth is projected to be $5 million, based on our research. Willi Ninja’s accomplishment as an American dancer and choreographer has had a significant impact on his net worth.
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Ninja Willi’s Career
Ballroom dancing and vogueing were forever changed as a result of Willi Ninja’s career, which might be characterized as a dance revolution. From his early days in New York City’s underground ballroom scene to his partnerships with famous musicians and fashion designers, Ninja’s journey was characterized by creativity, artistry, and unwavering devotion.
In the 1980s, when he became a notable performer in the Harlem ballroom houses, Ninja’s ascent to fame began. Both the dance community and the general public were drawn to his distinctive approach, which combined modern dance with martial arts and vogueing’s accuracy.
Ninja’s skills were sought after by well-known designers and artists as his fame developed.
He was hired by Madonna to choreograph and appear in her classic “Vogue” music video when she became aware of his outstanding abilities. This partnership established vogueing as a popular art form, popularized it around the globe, and cemented Ninja’s position as a dance pioneer.
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In addition to his work with Madonna, Ninja contributed his knowledge to other illustrious ventures. In addition to working with prestigious fashion businesses, he choreographed for Malcolm McLaren’s “Deep in Vogue” and added his dynamic and captivating dance routines to runway displays.
However, Ninja’s influence went beyond his personal appearances and group projects. He made it his mission to mentor young dancers, especially those from underserved communities, by giving them access to opportunities and a stage on which to display their abilities. By mentoring the following generation of dancers and providing them with encouragement, Ninja made sure that his legacy would live on long after his sad demise.