The story of Willi Ninja is that of a boy who - basically self-taught - already at the age of twenty had a new way of dancing in mind. Sharp and frenetic movements, dramatic poses inspired a bit by hieroglyphics and a bit by martial arts that began to take over in New York in the 80s. More precisely, in Harlem, in the neighborhood of reference for African American culture. Here, in dance halls and 'houses' – safe social and cultural spaces where mainly LGBTQ+ people gathered, including Willi himself – this style of dance became a glue that united an entire community.
In 1990 came the notoriety, with the documentary film Paris is burning, which went to the discovery of the ball culture of New York: Willi was one of the protagonists. From here he began to appear in music videos and fashion shows. In 1982 he founded his own dance house, which still exists: The Iconic House of Ninja. Google honored him today with a doodle on the 62nd anniversary of his birth.