Dirty Dancing to be remade

Version of classic will be aimed at a 'new generation'...

09:48 09 August 2011

Cult classic Dirty dancing is to be remade by the original film's choreographer, Kenny Ortega.

Lionsgate announced the move after rumours of a remake began circulating on the internet.

The original film made stars of the late Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey and told the story of Baby (Grey), a young girl who falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze).

Ortega said:

"The opportunity to direct Dirty Dancing is like returning home for me. Growing up in the '60s 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."

The High School Musical director went on to say:

"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 original film was made for just $6million and went onto make $214million internationally. It was also the first film to sell 1million copies on home video.