SMPL Presents: The Iconic House of Ninja

The Iconic House of Ninja brings the heat in a vogue dance performance that's guaranteed to electrify the room.  Founded in 1982 by the late Willi Ninja, the ‘Godfather of Vogue’, The House of Ninja has made a major impact on both ballroom and mainstream culture, appearing in the award-winning documentary Paris Is Burning, and the HBO Max ballroom competition series Legendary. House of Ninja has worked alongside some of the biggest names in fashion and music, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Doechii and their performance is guaranteed to be 10s across the board!   

Vogue dance, also known as voguing is a stylized form of movement originating from the Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ ballroom scene in New York. This culture served as a vital outlet for self-expression, creativity, and identity affirmation, particularly for marginalized individuals facing societal exclusion and prejudice. In the 1980s, vogue took form with figures like Willi Ninja and the House of Ninja, who elevated the art with innovative choreography and fierce performances. Willi Ninja drew inspiration from Vogue magazine's fashion models, infusing high-fashion glamour into his routines, shaping voguing as we know it today. 

This project was produced in collaboration with the City of Santa Monica, Cultural Affairs Art of Recovery initiative.  

For disability-related accommodations, call (310) 458-8600 one week prior to event. Secure bike parking is available or ride the Big Blue Bus. 

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Miles Memorial Playhouse - Santa Monica Cultural Affairs