Kenny Ortega, renowned choreographer and director behind Michael Jackson’s This Is It documentary, recently shared a profound lesson he learned from the late King of Pop—one that shaped not only their collaboration but also Ortega’s creative approach in later projects.

Speaking on the Chicks in the Office podcast, Ortega reflected on Michael Jackson’s insistence that creativity must flourish free from fear. “He would always start by saying, ‘Kenny, we can’t let fear into the room.

Fear only gets in the way of creativity. We can’t let fear into the room,’” Ortega recalled. “And he was aware of it. He watched for it.”

Jackson was so committed to preserving a creative sanctuary that he would halt rehearsals if executives or accountants—people focused on budgets—were present. Ortega explained, “He didn’t want the money people in the room going, ‘You can’t do that.

We can’t afford that. We can’t.’” Though budget constraints were inevitable, Michael’s genius lay in wanting the creative process to remain uninhibited by financial worries.

Kenny Ortega shares key takeaway from working with Michael Jackson

Ortega’s close work with Jackson spanned several major tours, including the Dangerous World Tour, HIStory World Tour, and Michael Jackson & Friends, culminating in his role directing This Is It, which chronicled MJ’s preparations for his final concert series before his untimely death in 2009.

After Jackson’s passing, Ortega carried forward this ethos of fostering fearless creativity into his Disney Channel projects such as High School Musical. “I could create an environment for them that enabled them to play and be kids and to have fun and to use their voices,” Ortega said. His directing style encouraged young performers to experiment and contribute ideas, giving them unprecedented creative autonomy.

Ortega’s reflections highlight the King of Pop’s legacy beyond music—his dedication to nurturing pure, fearless creativity that continues to inspire artists and directors alike.

For those interested, the full conversation with Kenny Ortega can be heard on the Chicks in the Office podcast.