Kenny Ortega compared Derek Hough to Gene Kelly: Here’s why it meant everything to him

Back in 2014, Kenny Ortega appeared as a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars during the 18th season. Denny Hough, who was performing, received a comment that he says became so special for him.

“You’ve been an incredible inspiration, personally, to me, and I have to thank you,” the choreographer tells his fellow dancer in the interview with Extra.

During their conversation, the pair watched the clip where Kenny told Derek that he “redefined choreography for this generation.”

The video was from the episode of DWTS in 2014. She further said at the time that the Utah native has been a “shaper of dance and changed dance forever."

Not only did he stop there, but Kenny also compared him to Gene Kelly, describing that Derek is so close today to the legendary dancer.

Upon seeing it, the 40-year-old says, “Hearing those words coming from somebody that I respected so much." 

He continues, "It really changed my life because it gave me this sort of sense of confidence and belief [in myself]. I just want to thank you because it really was a pivotal moment.”

Besides this fan moment for Derek, he had a new member in his family. A son, whom he welcomed with his wife, Hayley Erbert, earlier this year.

"We can't believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small," the clip's caption read, which they posted on Instagram.

It is worth noting Derek and Hayley tied the knot in 2023 and the newborn is their first child.