He studied scenic design at Los Angeles City College after serving in the Navy.
Bates began working for New York City Ballet in 1957 as a production stage manager.
After working at the Stratford, Connecticut Mozart and Shakespeare Festivals, and for the NBC Opera Company in New York City, he joined NYCB at Kirstein's invitation and remained as production stage manager for over 20 years.
He also was in charge of the transportation of lights and scenery for the production of ballets at the company's summer home in Saratoga Springs and on tour, both stateside and overseas.
[2] Bates was married to Diana Adams, who was once a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet.