Kenneth John Ortega (born April 18, 1950) is an American filmmaker,
touring manager, and choreographer. He directed the films Newsies
(1992), Hocus Pocus (1993), the High School Musical trilogy
(2006â€"2008), Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009) and the Descendants
trilogy (2015â€"2019). Ortega has choreographed films including St.
Elmo's Fire (1985), Pretty in Pink (1986), Ferris Bueller's Day Off
(1986) and Dirty Dancing (1987). He has also directed multiple concert
tours, including tours for Cher, Gloria Estefan, Hannah Montana, and
Michael Jackson. In 2019, Ortega was honored with a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame.Ortega was born in Palo Alto, California, the
son of Madeline, a waitress, and Octavio "Tibby" Ortega, a factory
worker. Both of his parents were also born in Palo Alto, though his
paternal grandparents were Mexican immigrants. He attended Sequoia
High School in Redwood City, California, where he was a cheerleader
and in the drama group.Ortega began his career as an actor, appearing
in a touring productions of Oliver! and Hair before venturing into
choreography and directing. Ortega was offered the leading role in a
production of Jesus Christ Superstar, but turned the offer down to
become a choreographer for the San Francisco-based band The Tubes
after being spotted on the dance floor in a club by members of the
band. Ortega toured with the band for ten years, before being
contracted by Cher to choreograph a TV special and tour and by KISS on
their Dynasty Tour.
touring manager, and choreographer. He directed the films Newsies
(1992), Hocus Pocus (1993), the High School Musical trilogy
(2006â€"2008), Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009) and the Descendants
trilogy (2015â€"2019). Ortega has choreographed films including St.
Elmo's Fire (1985), Pretty in Pink (1986), Ferris Bueller's Day Off
(1986) and Dirty Dancing (1987). He has also directed multiple concert
tours, including tours for Cher, Gloria Estefan, Hannah Montana, and
Michael Jackson. In 2019, Ortega was honored with a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame.Ortega was born in Palo Alto, California, the
son of Madeline, a waitress, and Octavio "Tibby" Ortega, a factory
worker. Both of his parents were also born in Palo Alto, though his
paternal grandparents were Mexican immigrants. He attended Sequoia
High School in Redwood City, California, where he was a cheerleader
and in the drama group.Ortega began his career as an actor, appearing
in a touring productions of Oliver! and Hair before venturing into
choreography and directing. Ortega was offered the leading role in a
production of Jesus Christ Superstar, but turned the offer down to
become a choreographer for the San Francisco-based band The Tubes
after being spotted on the dance floor in a club by members of the
band. Ortega toured with the band for ten years, before being
contracted by Cher to choreograph a TV special and tour and by KISS on
their Dynasty Tour.
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