Willi Ninja

Willi Ninja, also Willie Ninja ( born April 12, 1961 in Queens, New York City, † September 2, 2006 in New York, real name William Roscoe Leake ) was an American dancer, choreographer and artist.

Life

William grew up in Flushing and began seven years dancing. As a member of the gay scene in Harlem, he led in the early 80s in public places and drag the ball in front of Voguing, a new form of dance that took up the rhythmic movements of the models on the catwalk and in photo shoots.

He came with this style in 1989 as a member of The Bootzilla Orchestra in video for Malcolm McLaren's album Waltz Darling in appearance. The title Deep in Vogue became a hit, particularly in Germany, ahead of Vogue by Madonna in the Ninja also occurred. He became known beyond by published by Jennie Livingston 1990 documentary Paris is burning.

In the New York drag queen scene Willi Ninja was an important Persönlichkeite and Chairman of the House of Ninja. Ninja walked fashion shows for Jean -Paul Gaultier and was part of the dance company of Karole Armitage. He also had a modeling agency since 2004 and was a sought-after runway instructor. Naomi Campbell and Paris Hilton as he helped to find their own personal style. In addition to Paris is Burning is available in the documentary How Do I Look (2006) by Wolfgang Busch several interviews with Ninja.

He suffered for several years from AIDS at the consequences of which he on 2 September 2006 at the age of 45 years died.