Sit down for an intimate 2-hour lunch with Kenny Ortega, one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors and choreographers, joined by Imagen Foundation President Helen Hernandez — an extraordinary gathering of creative and cultural luminaries for 2 guests.
Known as The Quintessential Music Man, Kenny Ortega has directed, created, and/or choreographed some of the most beloved cultural touchstones of all time, including Dirty Dancing, Newsies, Hocus Pocus, Pretty in Pink, To Wong Foo, The Gilmore Girls, Ally McBeal, Julie and the Phantoms, the High School Musical and Descendants franchises, and the unforgettable parade sequence in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, among many others.
As Michael Jackson's stage director and creative partner for 25 years, Ortega directed what would become the most successful documentary in film history, Michael Jackson's This Is It. Ortega also shaped some of pop's most iconic performances in concert tours and music videos, inspiring an unprecedented global community of fans of all ages throughout his career.
He discovered and platformed the careers of stars such as young Christian Bale, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, and Cameron Boyce, among others, and has also worked with Miley Cyrus, The Cheetah Girls, and The Jonas Brothers. A mentee of Gene Kelly, Ortega began his career choreographing for music legends, including the pioneering rock group The Tubes, Elton John, Cher, Gloria Estefan, The Pointer Sisters, Gladys Knight, KISS, Fleetwood Mac, and Madonna, and directed and choreographed Barbra Streisand's Millennium World Tour. Blending his unmatched storytelling through music, film, and movement, he has also executive produced numerous chart-topping soundtracks. In Las Vegas, he has directed many of the most celebrated headliner shows, including those of the legendary magicians Siegfried and Roy. In partnership with the Wynns, Kenny produced the openings of the Bellagio, Wynn, and Encore hotels; directed the spectacular multimedia Lake of Dreams; and choreographed the iconic WET-designed Bellagio Fountains.
Ortega has been hailed as the "Billion Dollar Maestro" by Variety and, in addition to countless international accolades, has received three Emmy Awards, two Directors Guild Awards, the prestigious Disney Legends Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was recently inducted into the inaugural Dance Hall of Fame. Among the many activities currently on his dance card, Ortega is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of his international phenomenon, High School Musical.
Joining the table is Helen Hernandez, President of the Imagen Foundation, the organization dedicated to promoting positive portrayals of Latinos in entertainment — lending this experience an added layer of cultural significance and meaningful conversation.
The meal cost and gratuity are fully covered, making this a seamless and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Ortega's work, a creative professional, or simply someone who appreciates rare access to extraordinary people, this lunch offers an experience that goes well beyond a meal.
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