02/23/2026
VOGUING FOR EMPOWERMENT | A Spotlight
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The following three slides highlights two legendary figures in the ballroom scene.
Willi Ninja (1961- 2006)
Known as the Grandfather of Vogue, a dance form that he helped move from the New York club scene of the 1980’s to the concert stage.
Later in the 80s Malcolm McLaren heard about Ninja and voguing. Astounded by Ninja’s “warrior nobility”, and unique take on the louche swagger of the fashion runway walk, he took a Ninja-led ensemble of dancers around the European fashion houses, where they made a huge impact.
For McLaren. Ninja did not just wear clothes, he acted them - with a passion that was rare in the fashion industry. Designers Chanel, Carl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler and others used Ninja as a model and trainer, and he coached the likes of Naomi Cambell and Iman on how to walk the walk.
N’yomi Stewart
N’yomi also known as “Omi Juicy Couture,” is the first trans actress to graduate from the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in Acting. Recently, she appeared in the Public’s 60th anniversary season of Shakespeare in the Park alongside Danai Gurira in Richard III directed by Tony nominated Robert O’Hara.
Omi is also a sister to her community through dance. An active member in the NYC’s ballroom scene, she is a part of the Iconic House of Juicy Couture, named one of the best houses in Kiki Ballroom history and was the first Kiki house to win HBOMax’s Legendary (Season 3).
NC History | Photography by Bobby Kerns Productions for QnotesCarolinas.com
In 2006 Legendary Dr. Darrin (aka “Hypnotic” Blahnik), was a Project Coordinator for the program d-up! – a Charlotte HIV intervention and Prevention program for Black Q***r Folks men. A year later, Dr. Darrin Co-Coordinated and developed the d-up! Ball.
It was attended by over 1500 people and offered participants $6000 in prize money.
