Self-taught choreographer, dance and runway teacher Willi Ninja, born William Leake, is considered the father of voguing- dance moves popular in the 70s and 80s. Ninja was inspired by Fred Astaire, "Great Performances" on PBS, Asian culture, Olympic gymnasts and the martial arts- thus the name of his founding house, the House of Ninja. He considered the members of his house to be swift and highly capable in the ballroom and out.
Ninja had a vision of making voguing a worldwide phenomenon. Ninja even influenced Madonna after she saw a group of young kids voguing in New York City's Washington Square Park. Madonna used that influence to introduce Ninja's perfected dance moves to mainstream culture with her single "Vogue".
When not walking the balls, Willi Ninja professionally taught women of New York City feminine grace, walks and dance. Willi Ninja died of AIDS complications on September 2,2006. He was 45 years old.
