GARY BATES joined Eugene Loring’s Dance Players in 1960, at the renowned American School of Dance in Hollywood, launching a career that has spanned nearly 40 years in Los Angeles. He has performed in and/or choreographed for numerous companies including the Bella Lewitzky Dance Company, Eyes Wide Open Dance Theatre, Lynn Dally & Dancers as well as having been a soloist and guest artist until his retirement in 1992. He was fortunate to have been able to study with such luminaries as Eugene Loring, Carmelita Maracci, Mia Slavenska, Jack Cole and Bella Lewitzky while also completing his BA and MA in dance at UCLA. Mr. Bates has taught at Florida State University, UCLA, Scripps College and Loyola Marymount University and has been a guest artist at U.C. Irvine, Cal Arts and many other places over the years. Currently, he is assisting Donald Hewitt with the Los Angeles Dance Kaleidoscope festival and occasionally works as a mentor in choreography.