August 2009  -  Fort Worth Star Telegram

Avery Keller and Haley Smith were chosen to perform in the touring Broadway musical "Cinderella Rock".  The first performance is Friday, August 21, 2009 in Fort Worth at the Scott Theatre and there is a 2nd performance on the 22nd of August.   It is the fourth original musical that Broadway actor Todrick D. Hall has written, directed and choreographed.  The production will be traveling across more than 30 cities in Texas with professional New York actors and a live band!   Haley Smith portrayed a singing & dancing mouse while Avery Keller portrayed a fairy.  A portion of the show’s proceeds will be contributed to Skyeward Bound Ranch, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing social and recreational interaction of specially challenged youth.   We are so proud of our dancer's Avery and Haley!

June 2009  -  Midlothian Mirror Newspaper

 Dance for the Planet News

13th annual festival  -  "Dance for the Planet"

Dancers once again represent Ellis County in proud fashion with a lyrical modern routine to the song "November Rain".  Performers were:  Macayla Bryant, Micah Chapman, Haley Smith, and Emily Stanley.  These dancers take class and are under the direction of Laurie Trees Flores of  the Stage Door School of Dance of Midlothian.  Stage Door School of Dance has represented Ellis County for 12 out of  the 13 years that "Dance for the Planet" has been in existence.  It would have been 13 out of 13 festivals except one was rained out as this is an outdoor dance festival.  Dancers from all over the nation come to show their genres and styles of dance.  Miss Laurie stated, "It is such an honor to be invited and very exciting to dance with some of the best and upcoming dancers in the area and around the entire country."  Miss Laurie added, "The girls were most excited about meeting and dancing on the same stage as "So You Think You Can Dance" top 10 dancer, Comfort Fedoke, from season 4."  She went on further to say, "I was extremely proud of my dancers, they represented themselves, me, Stage Door School of Dance, and Ellis County proudly."

January 2009  Mt. View College Dance Company News

Professor of  Dance and artistic director, John Merrifield, has invited Laurie Trees Flores to join the dance company at Mt. View College.  Miss Laurie, stated, " I haven't danced in a company since my early 20's but I love dance and can't wait to get started".  The dance company will rehearse 3 days a week for 3-5 hours to prepare for their shows in late April, 2009.  Miss Laurie will perform a modern piece, hip hop piece and character routine as a flapper from the 1920's.  Miss Laurie also stated that, "Professor Merrifield is a dance treasure to have in the area and I am so honored to have the opportunity to perform with his company."

January 2008  Midlothian High School Dance Dept. News

Bethany Prewitt, 15 year student of Stage Door School of Dance, named as assistant to the director of the dance department at Midlothian High School.  She teaches classes in ballet, and jazz.  Way to represent Bethany!

March 2007  -  Odyssey Dance Team

Stage Door School of  Dance forms dance company to start competing in regional and national dance competitions.  "On the Good Ship Lollypop" brings home all 1st place trophies at Dupree Dance Competition and Convention held in Arlington, TX and at Showbiz Dance Competition held in Plano, TX.

February 2006  -  Valentine Lock In - to benefit Primate Sanctuary

Director Miss Laurie of the Stage Door School of Dance has 1st annual Valentine Lock - In with 21 students in attendance and all proceeds donated to the Born Free Primate Sanctuary in Dilley, TX. 

2006 - 07  Midlothian High School - Panther Pride News

Midlothian High School senior, C.J. Patterson, was named "Dancer of the Year" for Midlothian High School's dance department.  C.J. Patterson has been a student at Stage Door School of Dance for 15 years where she is enrolled in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern and lyrical.  Way to go C.J. !

January 2002  -  All Aboard! 

2 of Stage Door School of Dance students were chosen to dance on Carnival  Cruiselines after long and tiring audition. 

August 2001 - Mt. View College Community Education Dept.

Alumni - Laurie Trees asked to join the dance dept. staff to teach ballet, tap & jazz for the Community Education Department at Mt. View College in Dallas.

May 2001  University of Texas at Arlington

Local dance teacher receives 2nd college degree.

Laurie Trees Flores, teacher and director of Stage Door School of Dance,  completes Bachelor's Degree in Dance.

January 2000  -  Dallas Morning News Southern Life Section:

Hula Workshop held at the Stage Door School of Dance in Midlothian raises funds  to Benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital bringing in $400.

April 1998   -  Waxahachie Daily Light

Stage Door School of Dance invited to perform for the 1st annual "Dance for the Planet" dance festival in Dallas.  Stage Door School of Dance proudly represented Ellis County.

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 Mirror

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.

May 1991   University of Texas at Arlington

Local Dance Teacher graduates

Laurie Trees Flores receives Bachelors of Arts degree in Theatre Arts and minor in English.

January 1986    -  Midlothian Mirror Newpapers

Midlothian Dance Theatre

Trees- Flores, from Stage Door School of Dance, made director and ballet instructor for the touring dance company, Midlothian Dance Theatre.

August 1985   -  Midlothian Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Dance Studio Opens in Midlothian

Laurie Trees opens dance studio at Northridge Shopping Center.  Call the studio for enrollment information (214)775-8199.  Miss Trees will offer dance classes in ballet, tap, jazz and will also offer floor gymnastics.  Miss Trees is a new member to the chamber so welcome her at our next meeting.  Miss Trees graduated from Midlothian High School in May, 1981.