Kenny Ortega to reboot 'Dirty Dancing'

(AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI)

Following in the footsteps of the Footloose remake releasing this October, the director of the Michael Jackson This Is It documentary and High School Musical 3, Kenny Ortega, will direct an updated remake of 1987's Dirty Dancing.

The classic summer romance drama, starring Jennifer Grey and the late Patrick Swayze, was choreographed by Ortega, who came up with Swayze's signature sexy moves.

The original story followed the comic-of-age of a teenage girl on vacation with her parents at a resort in 1963 who falls in love with her dance instructor.

"We believe that the timing couldn't be better to modernize this story on the big screen," stated Joe Drake, president of Lionsgate, the studio producing the film, in a press release.

"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," said Ortega.

The successful film produced a bestselling soundtrack album, sold more than 10 million DVDs, and spawned a not-so-successful delayed sequel in 2004, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.

The Dirty Dancing Facebook page has gained 9.4 million fans since May. Besides a new film, plans for the franchise may include an online video game, according to The Wrap.

http://www.facebook.com/OfficialDirtyDancing

RC