Kenny Ortega - Dirty Dancing Remake Confirmed

Dirty Dancing Remake Confirmed

Kenny Ortega is to direct a 'Dirty Dancing' remake.

The 'Michael Jackson's This Is It ' filmmaker - who choreographed the original 1987 production, which starred Jennifer Grey and the late Patrick Swayze - is "excited" about tackling the production for Lionsgate and has pledged to introduce new talent to the world.

Kenny said in a statement: "The opportunity to direct 'Dirty Dancing' is like returning home for me. Growing up in the 60's on the dance floor helped define me as a person and as an artist.

"I am looking forward to assembling a great creative team and an exciting cast to bring 'Dirty Dancing' to the screen for a new generation. Patrick Swayze set the bar for men dancing in the movies as Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire did before him.

"I believe everywhere you look there is evidence that the talent is out there and I can't wait to begin the process of discovering the next breakout triple-threats."

The remake will combine the classic songs featured in the original film - which is about a wealthy teenager who falls in love with a dance instructor during a summer holiday - and new tracks.

The original movie grossed over $216 million worldwide, and spawned a stage adaptation, TV series, and spin-off film 'Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights' in 2004.