November 6, 1997
Midlothian Mirror

Local  Dancers to Perform With Moscow Ballet

Nikki Spurlock and Emily Vandensen are ballet students of Laurie Trees Flores at Stage Door School Of Dance.  These Two dancers auditioned with the Moscow state ballet for the upcoming Nutcracker performance November 18th-22nd at the Majestic Theatre in downtown Dallas.  Nicki made the cast as Russian dancer and a snowflake.  Emily was cast as a Spanish dancer and a snowflake.  Tress-Flores stated, "I am so proud of both the girls discipline and perseverance.  The audition was 2 hours long and they represented themselves, the dance studio and our community with great pride.  These are very talented girls that work very hard in class." 

December 4, 1997
Midlothian Today

Council Overrides P&Z's Recent Vote

   The Midlothian City Council may allow a dance studio with a residential (single-family residential) use in a commercial district, despite a prior recommendation of  of denial by the planning and zoning commission.
   On Nov. 25, the council voted to amend a city ordinance and the city land-use table to include a single family residential use zoning within a commercial district.  Each request for such use will be voted on individually because each will require a specific use permit.  However, no residential within a commercial district will be allowed near a right-of-way.
   Laurie Tress-Flores, who said she has given dance lesson in Midlothian for about 13 years, requested to be allowed to build a residence above a dance studio on property zoned commercial.
   Several people came forward to speak in Trees-Flores' behalf during a public hearing on the matter.
   Cheryl Watkins said her daughter has been taking lessons from Trees-Flores for about 12 years.
   "She (Trees-Flores) has helped me mold my child into a graceful, confident young lady,", Watkins said.
   Watkins said that Trees-Flores business has caused her dance studio, Stage Door School Of Dance, to outgrow it's current location in downtown Midlothian.
   "Laurie needs to be able to do this for economical reason, to keep cost down," she said.  "And the parking is terrible (at her current location)."
   Trees-Flores arrives at her studio early for morning classes and stays late, Watkins said.
   Ken Klammer said in the "old day" it was considered normal to have a residence above your business.
   He said Trees-Flores has about 150 students and when they come to town for dance lessons, these children are brought by parents who spend money and shop while their children practice.
   Steve McDonald said his daughter has taken dance lessons from Trees- Flores for about two years.
   One walk into Trees-Flores' studio reveals pictures and annuals that show her students for the past years and what they have accomplished, he said.
   Barbara Weatherford said that Trees-Flores offers affordable classes while some dance instructors do not.  If she can't build a residence above their studios, her classes could be more expensive, according to Weatherford.
   She said children have to cross the street to get to classes, many times.  Also she noted that the studio had no fire exit.
   Brad Burchett said his daughter is almost 12.  He said she continually tells him how much she learns at Trees-Flores's classes.
   "I'd like to see her (Trees-Flores) live there with her daughter," Burchett said.
   "I'd like to see Miss Laurie get this dance studio," said Lynn Patterson.  She said her daughter was shy and introverted but that "Miss Laurie (Trees) brought her out." 
   She said her daughter will now perform before a live audience.
   Tamara Wagner said that Trees-Flores "brings all that economy into town."
   City Manager Kim Foutz said that night the council was considering changing its zoning ordinance; that Trees-Flores would have to come back for approval when she chooses a specific location.
   "I want to maintain control of this," Councilman David Setzer said.  "I don't want to open Pandora's box."

February 26, 1998
Midlothian Mirro

Stage Door Dancers Audition For Moscow State Ballet

Nicki Spurlock and Emily Van Densen auditioned and gained 4 dancing roles with the Moscow State Ballet as the company tours the United States.  Trees said, " I have never felt so proud and so excited to see a ballet performance; the girls were wonderful."

March 26, 1998
Midlothian Today

Dance Group To Hold Benefit

   Stage Door School of Dance will hold a dance-a-thon to help raise money for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Saturday.
   The dance school will offer ballet, tap, jazz and cheerleading classes for one hour each through the day.
   Those interested will be charged on dollar for each class and the courses will be taught by selected Stage Door students.
   Classes will start at 1 p.m. and the last class will end at 4 p.m.
   Those planning on participating should come to the event in comfortable clothes to dance in.
   The classes will teach beginner technique and will include stretching, across the floor combinations and bar exercises.
   Ballet will be taught from 1-2 p.m., tap from 203 p.m., jazz from 3-4 p.m. and cheerleading/tumbling from 4-5 p.m.
   For more information, contact Laurie Trees at Stage Door School of Dance at 775-8199.