About
NICHOLAS GATES - OWNER/FOUNDER
Self-taught artist Nicholas Gates celebrates the elements of hip hop, particularly graffiti and b-boying, through his dance, sculpture, and fashion design. As the son of James Gates Sr., the first DJ to spin a hip-hop record on the radio, Gates grew up around entertainment and true hip hop culture. In the first season of So You Think You Can Dance (2005), he earned his stripes as the only breakdancer in Chicago to make it through to the top 25. Nick has choreographed for and worked with artists such as Cali Swag District, Rock Steady Crew, Black Eyed Peas, Nelly, Ebony Eyez, Cirque du Soleil, Chemical Brothers, Carlos Santana, Lululemon Athletics, the Step Up 3D movie premiere, and more. Gates appeared in the viral music video for "Teach Me How to Dougie" (2011). He has also taught numerous master classes and shared the stage with Pharrell Williams. Gates has worked alongside Michael Jackson's choreographer Fatima Robinson in BET'S Played By Fame (2005). Currently, he is a master hip-hop instructor for Kids Artistic Revue's (KAR) national conventions.
Gates also has a passion for art and has sculpted for various artists including Jay-Z, ice-T, Nelly, Kanye, and others. He was commissioned by Disney in 2010 to create sculptures for the cast of Step Up 3D (2010), as well as appearing in the film. His sculpture and fashion designs were featured in a special installation titled Freedom Under Rough Years during the World Chess Hall of Fame's exhibition Living Like Kings: The Unexpected Collision of Chess and Hip Hop (2014-2015).
Gates is the proud owner, instructor, and choreographer of the first and only all hip-hop dance studio in Saint Louis—Hip Hop Foundation Fanatics (HHFF). He is well known for his unique and fresh approach to teaching breakdance. Nick's stage name—FURY—stands for "Freedom Under Rough Years." Gates truly believes art is the tool to free anyone.
CLASSES
Hip Hop Foundation Fanatics Dance Studio Home of the FURY Dance Crews
Spring Schedule until June 1, 2017
Open Enrollment
Free Trial Class
Student's skill level assessed during a Free Trial class. Student then will be placed in the appropriate class.
Monday By Appointment:
Private Lessons
Wednesday
4:30-5:30 Hip Hop 1 (AGE 6-12YRS)
Thursday
7:30-8:30 Hip Hop 2 & Teen: Age (10-18)
Friday & Saturday
By Appointment: PRIVATE LESSONS
ADULT CLASSES (CALL FOR DETAILS)
for more information contact Zandra Gates at 618-670-6131 or zandragates@gmail.com.
SUNSET HILLS ACTIVITY CENTER @ WATSON TRAIL PARK 12450 WEST WATSON ROAD - SUNSET HILLS, MO 63127
Trial class
(1st class at no charge)
Registration form
Use this form to submit registration so that you can be contacted for your free 1st class with Hip Hop Foundation Fanatics!