09.03.06

Strike a Pose…

Posted in Uncategorized at 8:51 am by DFR

The Godfather of Vogueing is dead. WILLIE NINJA mother of THE HOUSE OF NINJA died September 2, 2006. He was one of the originals to come out of the drag ball scene. He taught MADONNA her moves, sang on Malcom McLaren’s DEEP IN VOGUE and performed his unique dance everywhere, from the piers at the end of Christopher St. to the runways of Paris. Before street Queen’s and the King of Spain. His style was immortalized in the documentary PARIS IS BURNING (thats Willie wearing pink). When he wasn’t striking a pose he was teaching model’s like IMAN how to strut their stuff down the runway. Or he was appearing on TV shows like EXTREME MAKEOVER and THE JIMMY KIMMEL SHOW. These lyric’s from Deep in Vogue have new meaning now: “Here I am vogueing pretty in some club deep in this city. Imagine runway modeling in freeze frame, at the Ball thats what they call Vogueing. Sometimes on a legendary night, like the closing of the Garage…listen and you will hear the footsteps of all the Houses that have walked there before. Deep in Vogue. Deep in Vogue”.
The legendary Willie Ninja will be missed.
Poster source: Third Decade.

Permalink

23 Comments »

Andrea Splisgar said,

September 3, 2006 at 1:16 pm

I am sincerely touched by reading the news about Willie Ninja’s death - we had a wonderful artistic collaboration in Munich in 1991, 10 creative + brilliant days! His lovely and enthusiastic character, his touching energy, his ‘force of nature’ will be kept forever in my heart and memory!
Best,
Andrea/Berlin
PS: Thanks to Diane Pernet and her ’shaded view on fashion’ !
taylor Siluwé said,

September 3, 2006 at 2:18 pm

Yes he will.

The Pier in NYC has changed. Willie Ninja, its reigning Grand Dame, the one who I loved from afar but never had the balls to speak to, is also gone. I’m feeling quite introspective today.

This is a lovely tribute, and a lovely blog. Thanks for inviting me.
Karlo said,

September 3, 2006 at 9:38 pm

Sorry to hear about Willie, never met him face to face, but of course saw him everywhere. Sad that he is no longer with us. Lets pray.
Oh! And David, what a great site. Congratulations! Lovely!
Blessings, Karlo.
Vinnie said,

September 4, 2006 at 4:41 pm

I had the honor of knowing Willie and He’s a person with a great big heart and a wonderful soul. May you rest in peace and see you soon. Now you can teach those Angels in heaven how to Vogue !!! Work it !!!!
jeff newsom said,

September 4, 2006 at 9:22 pm

wow…….

Willie was one of the nicest ….funny……cunty…..brillant…..talented queen’s in the NYC scene….Just like Diane Brill or Andy W, Willie brought a crazy sense of style and wonderment to nightlife…..Running into to him on the streets on NY was always a thrill……Now walking in the West village will never be the same again….Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery are not going to taste the same…..She-he left us early and pretty…….He would have wanted it this way…….
Pamela said,

September 4, 2006 at 10:14 pm

I am saddened. I have the movie Paris Is Burning and it is the sh#@! He was unique, special, and will be missed. RIP, Pamela
Allie said,

September 4, 2006 at 11:43 pm

Now Willie is up in the big dancehall in the sky, showing all those long dead queens how to vogue and work it.
Freddy said,

September 5, 2006 at 6:11 am

I worked at Elite New York for years and had the opportunity to work with Willie when he taught many of our girls how to walk—in the process he taught me not only how to walk in high-heels but in life—shoulders back, head up, and sell it to the kids!! Willie will be missed…
kevin said,

September 5, 2006 at 3:03 pm

The Realness is Within All of Us.

RIP Willie
debra said,

September 5, 2006 at 8:37 pm

I knew Willie and am sorry to hear about his death. I hadn’t seen him in about 4 years, but I will miss him.
Steven said,

September 5, 2006 at 8:42 pm

Willie,
God Bless You. You were funny and extremely talented. Most important-you walked Mugler
“you have lived”!
I had the honor of sharing the stage with Willie at a fashion show in Jersey. His vogue was like no other.
Steve
Hector said,

September 5, 2006 at 11:00 pm

In the begining when we all came out back in 82. I would go out to the clubs with Willie. The nights we all shared in Queens in the Collage, we spent at his house. In the morning his mom would make us a little to eat for breakfast. She had a warm heart. That is where Willie got his warm, sweet and beautiful heart from. We didn’t see each other for many years while he was out being a star. That is what he was. I will definaley miss you Willie. May God Bless your Soul and Spirit.

Hector (aka Manny)
Principe said,

September 5, 2006 at 11:09 pm

I went to see Prince’s “Purple Rain” tour with a friend of mine and Willie. I had know him since the Christopher Street Pier and we all worked at 666 5th Avenue. I worked for Steve Tisch and Willie worked at a yogurt shop in the main floor. He was always nice and respectful. Years later when I started designing he would always have great and encouraging comments about my clothes. I will always remember him and how nice and genuine he was to me! May he rest in peace in the vast lush gardens of the Lord, as he feels the moisture of the Purple Rain!
Arasheen said,

September 5, 2006 at 11:59 pm

I meet the Diva Ninja just once walking down Hollywood Blvd. I gasped said hello I love you she curtseyed and said thanks. She never knew I was one of those little queens that saw Paris is Burning when I was a teen and gathered strength from those DIVAs to be the Gay Man god made me. Thank you Ninja and dance on.
Gus said,

September 6, 2006 at 6:52 am

A Legend might be gone but the memories always will Live. Willie brought out the realness of what Vogueing was and is. Willie was one of the founders that brought out Vogueing. The Balls, Piers, Clubs where ever it is and Willie went that is where the real balls with no shade was at. Today the balls with the new upcomming generation should study analize how vogueing was when the Legends was walking that Fierce Runway, Serving it. For example Pepper LaBella, Willie, Hector, Jose and many more Legends & House that served that runway showing it all.
My last words are Lets Remember a Legend is Gone but his Memory Lives Forever.
Willie May the Lord God Rest your Soul In Peace.
David M. said,

September 6, 2006 at 1:14 pm

Willi will be missed. He will remain in my heart and spirit as well as for many others. Just passing on information received.

Funeral Services for Willi Ninja
Friday, September 8, 2006
7-9:00 pm
Roy L. Gilmore’s Funeral Home
19102 Linden Boulevard
Saint Albans, Queens, NY 11412
718-529-3030

FYI: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/06/arts/dance/06ninja.html
golden said,

September 6, 2006 at 10:40 pm

I remember a couple of years ago seeing a video he was in and wanted to be apart of the Vogue scene. It was three years ago and I was 18 and couldn’t get in to the clubs yet. So I would practice to his videos and copy some of his moves as well as Louis xtravaganza. Well, when I finally got to go to the clubs I was so excited to just be there let alone meet the stars of the ballroom. I remember going up to Louis Xtrava and he was very nice and gave me a hug and said I have potential. Then when I asked him where is Willie Ninja he pointed him out to me and I went up to him and asked can I have my friend take a picture of us and he turned his back (I thought he was going to do a classic move) and he walked away laughing at us. I was in shock. My idol thew shade at us. I ran to the bathroom and looked in the mirror to see if I was looking alright and I did. I had on D&G from head to toe. My hair is long(my own) past my shoulders and I don’t have any pimples and I am slim so I was like what happened. Later that night I bumped into him at the bar and smiled and he frowned at me like as to say eww. I was so hurt. My idol dissed me again! I was: I have been waiting three years to meet you and to tell you how much of an inspiration you are to me and he said: “girl pleaze. I aint got time I have things to do and people to do…” My friend told me not to take it personally and to just keep my chin up. He wasn’t mad at me, but his disease. (which I had no idea) I really had no idea so I payed it.
I wish his friends and family the best and hope he is in heaven. I never took it to heart what happened I just said well, he is the grande diva!
Mz. Pinky said,

September 7, 2006 at 12:55 am

I met Willi through a college friend of mine he was dating, Dennis. We hung out occasionally at the Sound Factory back in the 80’s and early 90’s and hanging out by Christopher Street & the Piers. He took his vogueing seriously and watching him was an art in itself. He was unlike the others where drugs consumed their every move. Dancing was the very essence of his being. I have not seen him in about a decade, but have watched him on TV - and he always looked fagulous!!!
I will miss you….Mz. Pinky
dzinegraphic said,

September 8, 2006 at 12:13 pm

Willi Ninja,
The one and only true superstar in vogueing .He taught madonna her moves in vogue, he was also in her video. I met him in the eightes, hung out with him. my wife and i used to go to his house, he came to ours. he was a real down to earth, funny, and man of his word. Always putting other people first instead of himself . He left behind a greaving mom who is so sweet and my heart goes out to his family and well wishers. without Willi Ninja there is no vogue he took it with him . Long live the legend the one and only Willi Ninja god be with you my friend. I know you are with the angels in heaven working it. You will always be remembered by everyone, even by madonna.
May god keep you safe under his arms .
dan said,

September 22, 2006 at 3:59 pm

Madonna NEEDS 2 do the RIGHT THING!
Anthony Ninja said,

December 6, 2006 at 5:34 pm

WE HAVE A WILLININJAFOUNDATION STARTING AND COMNING SOON…
PLEASE CONTACT ANTHONYNINJA1@MYSPACE.COM
Craig STORM connors said,

August 25, 2008 at 4:59 pm

I knew Willie while I was attending GLYNNY . I saw him out often
Craig STORM connors said,

August 25, 2008 at 5:04 pm

I knew Willie , My fondest memory was New Years Eve he was at Jackie 60 I was Vouging .He was so nice to me . I really expected him to be shady or chop me . He didn’t we had so much fun that night . I think I was like 16 if that. Bless you Willie wwherever you may be.

Makeup Beat…

09.03.06

Strike a Pose…

23 Comments »

Leave a Comment

Pages

Archives

Categories

Search

Meta