The video Doodle released by Google today honors the incredible achievements of Willi Ninja, a legendary dancer and choreographer known as the “Godfather of Voguing.”
Willi’s immense talent and influence during the 1980s and ’90s played a pivotal role in promoting representation and acceptance for the Black LGBTQ+ community.
The captivating Doodle video, illustrated by Rob Gilliam and edited by Xander Opiyo, features an original musical composition by Vivacious.
The performance showcases current members of the House of Ninja, including Archie Burnett Ninja, Javier Madrid Ninja, Kiki Ninja, and Akiko Tokuoka (also known as KiT Ninja), who passionately dance to commemorate Willi’s enduring legacy.
Born in 1961 and raised in Flushing, Queens, Willi Ninja’s journey began with the unwavering support of his loving mother. She fostered his passion for dance by taking him to ballet performances at the Apollo Theater, despite their limited financial means. Determined and self-taught, Willi honed his skills and developed into a true star.
Voguing became Willi’s specialty—a captivating dance style that merged fashion poses with intricate movements inspired by mime and martial arts. Originating from the Harlem ballroom scene, a haven for LGBTQ+ Black and Latino individuals to express themselves and foster unity, voguing symbolized self-expression and freedom.
In the ballroom culture, participants often found solace in groups known as “houses,” which offered a sense of family and support to those facing rejection from their biological relatives. In 1982, Willi co-founded his own community, the House of Ninja, and remained a pillar of support and mentorship for its members, even as his own fame soared.
Drawing inspiration from Egyptian hieroglyphs and martial arts, Willi introduced groundbreaking techniques that reshaped the voguing landscape. His artistry catapulted him to stardom in the 1990s, leading to appearances in films, music videos, and prestigious runway shows worldwide. Notably, his innovative moves influenced a range of celebrities, including Madonna and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Willi’s extraordinary dance skills took center stage in the acclaimed 1990 documentary “Paris Is Burning,” bringing his unique style to a broader audience and cementing his legacy. Beyond dance, Willi proved to be a formidable advocate for his community. He played a vital role in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention at drag balls, contributing significantly to destigmatizing the disease.
We express our deepest gratitude to Willi Ninja for his remarkable contributions to the world of dance and for amplifying the visibility of Black and Latino LGBTQ+ identities globally. The House of Ninja continues to dance in his honor, carrying his legacy forward with pride.
Willi’s immense talent and influence during the 1980s and ’90s played a pivotal role in promoting representation and acceptance for the Black LGBTQ+ community.
The captivating Doodle video, illustrated by Rob Gilliam and edited by Xander Opiyo, features an original musical composition by Vivacious.
The performance showcases current members of the House of Ninja, including Archie Burnett Ninja, Javier Madrid Ninja, Kiki Ninja, and Akiko Tokuoka (also known as KiT Ninja), who passionately dance to commemorate Willi’s enduring legacy.
Born in 1961 and raised in Flushing, Queens, Willi Ninja’s journey began with the unwavering support of his loving mother. She fostered his passion for dance by taking him to ballet performances at the Apollo Theater, despite their limited financial means. Determined and self-taught, Willi honed his skills and developed into a true star.
Voguing became Willi’s specialty—a captivating dance style that merged fashion poses with intricate movements inspired by mime and martial arts. Originating from the Harlem ballroom scene, a haven for LGBTQ+ Black and Latino individuals to express themselves and foster unity, voguing symbolized self-expression and freedom.
In the ballroom culture, participants often found solace in groups known as “houses,” which offered a sense of family and support to those facing rejection from their biological relatives. In 1982, Willi co-founded his own community, the House of Ninja, and remained a pillar of support and mentorship for its members, even as his own fame soared.
Drawing inspiration from Egyptian hieroglyphs and martial arts, Willi introduced groundbreaking techniques that reshaped the voguing landscape. His artistry catapulted him to stardom in the 1990s, leading to appearances in films, music videos, and prestigious runway shows worldwide. Notably, his innovative moves influenced a range of celebrities, including Madonna and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Willi’s extraordinary dance skills took center stage in the acclaimed 1990 documentary “Paris Is Burning,” bringing his unique style to a broader audience and cementing his legacy. Beyond dance, Willi proved to be a formidable advocate for his community. He played a vital role in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention at drag balls, contributing significantly to destigmatizing the disease.
We express our deepest gratitude to Willi Ninja for his remarkable contributions to the world of dance and for amplifying the visibility of Black and Latino LGBTQ+ identities globally. The House of Ninja continues to dance in his honor, carrying his legacy forward with pride.