Today’s Google Doodle celebrates a queer, ballroom legend
Today’s #GoogleDoodle spotlights the dancer and choreographer who was known as the "Godfather of Vogue.” Learn how Willi paved the path for diverse LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in the ‘80s & ‘90s —> https://t.co/wbmKdNrGmU pic.twitter.com/nZ8kqSvuCeVoguing took its name from Vogue magazine.
Dancers throw exaggerated shapes and poses as if imagining themselves gracing a photoshoot in the iconic magazine. It quickly caught on among attendees at the drag balls, predominantly populated by Black and Latino LGBTQ+ people.Ninja featured in the seminal documentary, Paris Is Burning.
He also featured in several music videos, including Malcolm McLaren’s “Deep in Vogue” and Janet Jackson’s “Escapade”.He died from AIDS-related illness on September 2, 2006. “The Iconic House of Ninja” continues to this day and Ninja’s life and work remain an influence on many artists.Today’s Doodle features a video with current members of the House of Ninja demonstrating voguing.
Original music is provided by Vivacious.“An acclaimed performer, Willi paved a path for Black LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in the 1980s and ’90s,” Google said.“On this day in 1990, the documentary Paris is Burning – which features Willi and the Iconic House of Ninja – was released in the US at the NewFest New York LGBT Film Festival,” said Google’s tribute.The Doodle links to a fulsome history of the ballroom scene (the backdrop for the TV show, Pose).
