Paris Still Burns: Willi Ninja (R.I.P.)
Historically, black folk in the Diaspora are known for creating different dance and other art forms for ourselves, which eventually become popular with the mainstream. Willi Ninja's "vogue" was no different. Called the "Godfather of Vogue", I had read on the blogs Willi Ninja had been sick, but new information surfaced that he had been getting better. Unfortunately, he passed away yesterday in New York City according to blogger insiders.
One of the stars of the hit movie, "Paris is Burning", where the black and Latino gay underground ballroom scene was brought to light, he taught the world how to vogue, and had recently made an appearance on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live in April.
Contrary to popular belief, Madonna did not create voguing. Long before Madonna's hit song and video, "voguing" had been an art form on the black and Latino gay ballroom circuit of New York City for many years. Madonna only made the art form popular with the mainstream like Elvis Presley did with Rock 'n Roll music. It is even said that R&B sensation, Jody Watley, was one of the first to use voguers in music videos.
Regrettably though, it's always sad when pioneers pass away and he was only 45 years old, which makes his death even sadder. However, we all come here to leave a mark on the world, I believe, and Willi Ninja certainly left his.
Below, check out the worldwide art form that he helped to create.
Double-click the videos to enlarge.
posted by Terrence | 4:30 AM
7 Comments:
Terrence...How do you learn of this information?
Somewhere deep inside of me I knew Madonna didn't come up with "voguing"
The Legendary Willi Ninja was my boyfriend for three years. I remember meeting him at Escuelita where he was working the door; introduced to me by Ms. Angel Sheridan. We spoke and chatted online for a year and half before he agreed to go on a first date with me. It sparked and not long afterwards, I proposed to him publicly at Splash, with a handful of friends as witnesses, and asked for his hand.
Willi Ninja: my beloved ex-lover; model of humanity; embodiment of kindness and hope. Master of the "read." The eternal prankster.
Despite our differences and although we were already separated, I never abandoned him. I was always there to help him when things got tough with him or Momma. He will always be in my heart because he was, and will forever be, an ICON on many levels.
WILLI... YOU WILL BE MISSED! I HAVE NEVER STOPPED LOVING YOU!
Javi
^I appreciate, very much, your desire to share this information here.
May God bless and keep you and the other loved ones.
Divine, I read a lot. I'm a news junkie - radio, tv, newspapers, etc. Plus, there are a lot of good resourceful blogs out there.
Put them all together and this is how I learn my information.
Unfortunately, the death of Willi Ninja hasn't received the press I think it should.
i did not like the ugly hoe. she was tore up from the floor up look at her aids infected face and you threw up. she was into scat-piss-animals you name it she it did it. willie nasty ninja fuck you in hell and your mother
It's sad that you chose this blog for your untimely tirade.
It's sadder that a person cannot get peace even in death.
I hope that people show you more respect after you die.
Willi was the sweetest person you could ever know and love, You could'nt help but adore him for the person he was. Willi saved me from self destruction years ago, took me under his wing ( named me: "Lito Ninja" ) 1989 was the first day my life began for me, Willi opened my eyes to the ways of the world and thanks to him, Im where i am today & continually rising. It's sad that some poeple are so miserable they cant think of anything positive to say... but it goes to show how the person who logged in Anonymous thinks of theirself. How will you be remembered? hmmm, makes you wondered, dont it!
R.I.P
Willi... I will always love you!
Cavalli Ninja ... aka ... Joze
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home