Benny Ninja Explained

Benny Ninja
Occupation:	Vogue-style dancer, vogue teacher at Broadway Dance Center
Known For:	being the father of the House of Ninja, a post given to him by the late Willi Ninja of Paris is Burning fame

Benny Ninja (né Benjamin Thomas) is a self-taught Vogue-style dancer from the underground clubs based in Westchester, New York.^[1] He is best known for his involvement in ball culture. He is the father of the House of Ninja, a post given to him by the late Willi Ninja of Paris is Burning fame.

In his dance, Ninja incorporates aspects of martial arts, gymnastics, house dancing, and yoga. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe.^[2]

Ninja is a vogue teacher at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City.^[3] He is also the co-owner and master training instructor of the Benny Ninja Training Academy.

Ninja had a recurring guest role on America's Next Top Model from Cycle 8^[4] until Cycle 13.

Ninja was involved in the Metro-North train derailment that took place on Sunday December 1, 2013. He survived the accident but was "emotionally shaken" and suffered "some injuries." Following his accident, Javier Ninja now occupies the role of Father of the House of Ninja.^{[5] [6] [7] [8]}

External links

• Interview at About.com

Notes and References

1. Web site: Ben Ninja Faculty Bio. Broadway Dance Center, Faculty Bios. March 30, 2011.
2. [Time Out (magazine)|Time Out Magazine]
3. Broadway Dance Centre - bio of Benny Ninja http://www.broadwaydancecenter.com/faculty/bios/ninja_benny.shtml retrieved April 2, 2015
4. Web site: Why Every RuPaul's Drag Race Fan Should Watch America's Next Top Model. 2014-08-18. www.out.com. en. 2019-12-16.
5. Disco Proletariat : "Javier Ninja, new father of the House of Ninja" by Spectre of the Rose (March 26, 2014) http://discoproletariat.com/2014/03/javier-ninja-new-father-of-the-house-of-ninja/ retrieved April 2, 2015
6. [The New York Times]
7. On Benny Ninja's official Facebook page, a statement was released on his behalf which reads (December 2, 2013):

   "Dear Fans & Friends of Benny Ninja,

   Benny was riding the Metro North train on Sunday morning 12/1/2013 that derailed in New York.

   [...]

   The GOOD NEWS, though emotionally shaken and some injuries, Benny is ALIVE and is in the hospital recovering, date of release TBA. ::Condolences to the 4 families who lost loved ones and speedy recovery to Benny and the other passengers who were injured. Updates to follow and feel free to post your well wishes." https://www.facebook.com/bennyninjafanpage/posts/711206115569826 - retrieved April 2, 2015

8. [BBC World Service|BBC News (World Service)]