Director: Deanna Gallardo
BABES (Ages 18-32 months)
Monday 10:30-11:15 am
Wednesday 9:30-10:15 am
LIL' ANGELS (Ages 2 1/2 -3 1/2 years)
Tuesday 9:30-10:30 am
Wednesday 10:30-11:30 am
Ballet/Tap/Jazz (3-5 years)
Monday 9:30-10:30 am
Monday 4:00-5:00 pm
Tuesday 10:30-11:30 am
Thursday 6:00-7:00 pm
Friday 9:30-10:30 am
Friday 4:00-5:00 am
Saturday 9:00-10:00 am
Ballet/Tap/Jazz (4-6 years)
Monday 6:00-7:00 pm
Wednesday 12:45-1:45 pm
Thursday 9:30-10:30 am
Friday 5:00-6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00-11:00 am
Ballet/Tap/Jazz (5-6 years)
Wednesday 6:00-7:00 pm
Hip Hop (6-9 years)
Monday 5:00-6:00 pm
Mini Praise Dance
Homeschool Class
Thursday 10:30-11:30 am
Ballet
Beginning/Intermediate Tuesday 5:00-6:00 pm
Advanced Wednesday 4:00-5:00 pm
Jazz/Tap
Beginning/Intermediate Tuesday 4:00-5:00 pm
Advanced Wednesday 5:00-6:00 pm
Hip Hop
Level I/II Friday 4:00-5:00 pm
Level III Thursday 4:00-5:00 pm
Level IV* Thursday 4:00-5:00 pm
Pointe* Thursday 5:00-6:00 pm
Pre-pointe* Thursday 5:00-6:00 pm
Contemporary/Lyrical
Advancced* Tuesday 7:00-8:00 pm
Modern
Beginning/Intermediate Thursday 6:00-7:00 pm
Advanced* Monday 5:00-6:00 pm
Tap
Level I/II Friday 5:00-6:00 pm
Hip-Hop
Beginning/Intermediate Wednesday 5:00-6:00 pm
Praise Dance
Intermediate/Advanced Saturday 10:00-11:00 am
Jazz
Level I/II Wednesday 4:00-5:00 pm
Level III Tuesday 4:00-5:00 pm
Level IV* Tuesday 6:00-7:00 pm
Leaps and Turns Tuesday 5:00-6:00 pm
Musical Theater
Beginning/Advanced Monday 6:00-7:00 pm
Performing and Competing Companies
Mini Company Monday 4:00-5:00 pm
Jr. Company Monday 7:00-8:00 pm
Sr. Company Monday 7:00-8:00 pm
Stretch/Flex Classes
Stretch/Flex is for dancers ages 5+ who would like to become stronger and more flexible. Emphasis is on stretch, strength and stamina.
Flex for Ages 5-8 Saturday 11:00-12:00 noon
Flex for Ages 9+ Saturday 11:00-12:00 noon
Registration Fee for Fall/Winter 2010-2011
$15 per family
45 min Babes classes
$42 per 4 week session
Hour classes
$52 per 4 week session
Tuition is due the week before session begins.
Unlimited Classes (one student)
$200 per 4 week session
(For students taking 4 or more classes per session)
10% discount for multiple classes or multiple family members taking class!!!
Ask about automatic payments!!! There is a $15 late charge fee per class.
•NO REFUNDS FOR MISSED CLASSES FOR ANY REASON. Make-up classes are allowed. If classes are canceled they can be made up in any other class.
•If less than 5 children are enrolled in a class, the class holds the possibility of being canceled or combined with another class.
•All students are encouraged to participate in both the Christmas Show and the Annual June Recital. For Christmas, there is a costume rental/cleaning fee/costume.
Required Dance Attire
•Ballet & Pointe (For ages 9+): black leotard, pink tights, ballet shoes, hair secured in a bun. All other ages: any color leotard and tights (ballet skirt optional). Hair worn up.
•Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern, & Praise (For ages 9+): leotard and tights with tight black boy-cut shorts. Shirts must be sleeveless, solid colored and tight fitting... Hair worn up.
All other ages: leotard and tights or jazz pants. Appropriate dance shoes are to be worn in each class. Hair worn up.
•NO STREET CLOTHES. No toys , jewelry or gum allowed in class. Please do not wear dance shoes outside. Hair MUST be worn up!
All studio information will be posted on the bulletin board. Please read the bulletin board each week. WE DO NOT SEND NOTES HOME.
Upon registration, we hold your spot until June 11, 2011. If you need to take a break, drop or change classes, please fill out a drop/add form at the front desk so you do not get charged for classes you are not taking.
Mirror Image Goes Green was on June 5, 2010!!! It was our best show yet!!!
A TWO HOUR PARTY INCLUDES:
* A decorated birthday cake and candles
* Juice boxes
* All paper and tableware
* Decorations and clean up
* Party bags for the birthday child and each guest
For the birthday child and up to 10 guests, the cost is only $125.00. Each additional guest is only $5.00!
After opening presents and eating birthday cake, the children will be taught a dance by two of our senior dancers. The parents are then invited back 15 minutes before the party ends to watch their kids perform the routine they've learned!!!
The areas first and most comprehensive academic/dance preschool where students receive both classroom instruction and 30 minutes of dance in each class. The 3-4 year old class meets on Tuesday/Thursday from 9:00-11:30 am. The 4-5 year old Pre-Kindergarten class meets on Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9:00-12:00 pm. Sign-up now, classes for Fall 2010 are almost filled!
Mission Statement
To provide a quality preschool experience, both socially and academically, in conjunction with Mirror Image Dance Academy's award winning dance program for children ages 3 to 5 years of age.
3-4 Year Olds
$98 per month
Tues/Thurs 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Includes 1 hour of dance per week.
4-6 Year Olds
$149 per month
Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Includes 1 1/2 hours of dance per week.
2010 - 2011 Schedule
September 13, 2010 - June 2, 2011 School Year
Sept 13th: Classes Start
Nov 22 - Nov 26: Thanksgiving Break
Dec 20 - Jan 2: Christmas Break
TBA Spring Break
Preschool "Sample" Day Schedule
09:00 - 09:30 - Dance Class
09:30 - 09:45 - Circle Time
09:45 - 10:15 - Academic/Discovery Time
10:15 - 10:30 - Snack Time
10:30 - 10:45 - Story Time
10:45 - 11:15 - Arts and Crafts Time
11:15 - 11:30 - Creative Play Time
OUR PROGRAM
Mirror Image Dance Academy has developed a preschool which is balanced, both academically and socially, and includes a comprehensive dance program. Our goal is to teach in a fun, yet structured environment. We hope your child will have a great preschool experience and will remember Mirror Image fondly for years to come!
Our curriculum includes but is not limited to:
English
Students will learn to recite and write the alphabet, as well as learn the phonics involved with each letter of the alphabet. Each week we will have a "letter of the week," and will focus on activities and crafts associated with that letter.
Reading
We will have story time each day and will work on reading easy sight words.
Math
With the use of manipulatives, we will learn to count, add and subtract! (i.e. If you have 4 Goldfish crackers and you eat one. . . how many are left?) We will also practice writing our numbers 1-10.
Science
We will have fun science experiments like making clay and growing plants from seed, and every day discovery time.
Health
We will provide a healthy snack for your child each day. Please notify us of any food allergies. We will have a 1/2 hour dance class each day. Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and poms will all be included thoughout the preschool dance program. In addition, the preschool class will perform in both our annual Christmas Show and our Spring Recital. We will take full advantage of our huge dance studios - especially during the long winter months. We may have relay races, play a game of "kickball,"or have a dance party to burn off that extra energy.
Music
We will listen to various composers/artists throughout our dance program. Many types/genres of music will be used, from country to classical. We will learn rhythm through tap and drumstick exercises. We will also sing and play various instruments!
Art
Children will have many artistic opportunities! We will use various art medium and work on art fundamentals like color, size, shape and texture. We will practice coloring, cutting and pasting, as well.
Social Studies/Geography
Where in the world are we? Kids love to study different parts of the world and what the children there are like. This may inspire a craft or two!
Imagination/Creative Play
Some preschools have a dress up box - we have a costume room full of costumes, hats and props which we will use for creative play.
About the Instructors
Deanna Gallardo, owner/director, has been a dance educator for over 20 years, with a focus and priority on preschool-aged children. A life-long learner, she holds a BA in English and Business from Indiana University, with a concentration in English composition. As a student at I.U., she worked as a writing tutor and served on the editing board of the school's literary magazine. Deanna is also a children's author, though many of her books will probably not make it to print until she retires!
On a personal note, Deanna says, "I have always had a love for children and always knew I would work with them, even from an early age. This is truly a labor of love for me, expecially as my own children get older. God has blessed me in so many ways -- now I would like to bless others."
Deanna resides in Valparaiso with her husband David, her son Jordan, her daughter Kamryn, and her dog Ivy. She also has two noisy cockatiels, Sam and Lucky!
Becky Chitwood, preschool instructor, comes to us this year with 5 years of preschool experience, as well as 3 years of substitute teaching experience in the Duneland school systems. She lives in Porter with her husband Jerry, their son Derek and daughter Dylann. They have 2 crazy dogs, Tessa and Bianca, and 2 sweet kitties, Sami and LuLu, at home as well!
In the past, Becky has not only coached Pop Warner cheerleading, but because she has a son, she has also coached both football and soccer! As a professional artist and muralist, Becky is a crafty person who says she "loves art and loves making messes!" Becky is a wonderful addition to our preschool program as her love of children radiates through her fun and joyous nature and her beaming smile! We are truly blessed to have her here this year.
Registration
To reserve your spot, please fill out a preschool registration form and include the following:
* $15.00 Family Registration Fee for 2010-2011
* $10.00 Supplies/Activities Fee
* Tuition for Session 10 ( June 2011)
Fall/Winter Sessions
Session 1- August 23rd to September 18th (Tuition due by August 12th)
Session 2- September 19th to October 16th (Tuition due by September 18th)
Session 3- October 17th to November 13th
(Tuition due by October 16th)
Session 4- November 14th to December 11th
(Tuition due by November 13th)
Session 5- December 12th to January 22, 2011
(Tuition due by December 11th) Please note: This is a 6 week session. We have 2 weeks off for Christmas Break (December 20th-January 2nd)
CHRISTMAS SHOW-DECEMBER 19TH AT VHS
Session 6- January 23rd to February 19th (Tuition due by January 22nd)
Session 7- February 20th to March 19th (Tuition due by February 19th)
Session 8- March 20th to April 16th (Tuition due by March 19th)
Session 9- April 17th to May 14th
(Tuition due by April 16th)
Session 10- May 15th to June 11th (Tuition due by May 14th)
TENTATIVE SPRING RECITAL IS JUNE 11TH
Click Here to Download A Registration Form!
Shirts and DVDs are in! Come get yours today!
Registration is continuous. Class schedules are listed on the website. Or, if you prefer, stop in and pick up a schedule or call 462-3160 to have one mailed to you.
Stay Tuned!!!
Soon we'll have new video from our performance at the 2010 Porter County Fair!!!
Performing Companies
Competition Team Rehearsal is on Saturdays from 12:30-2:30 pm
Students must be enrolled in Ballet, Tap and Jazz to participate in this FREE class. This class is a June '10- June '11 commitment. Mini Co. is for ages 6-9, Jr. Co. and Sr. Co. is for ages 10+ and is by invitation only. Jr. Company and Sr. Company must also take Modern.
If you have any questions about anything regarding Performing Company and you are not already a member please ask either one of these people:
Deanna Gallardo -Coach of the Mini and Junior Companies
or
Dani Carter -Coach of the Senior Company
Dani Carter
Suzanne Langlois
Deanna Gallardo
(Director and Owner)
Lauren Wolf
Steven P. Spanopoulos
Paulena Nice
Since the age of three, dancing has been a major part of Dani Carter's life. Receiving her dance education from the American Dance Center, a prestigious, award-winning school in Illinois, she has been taught by some of the best in dance including: Savion Glover, Lane Alexander, Wilfredo Rivera and Trae Turner. Her training includes classical ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical and her specialty-modern-an energetic and unique form of dance. In her teens, she continued her dance education, dancing with members of the Joel Hall Dancers, Hubbard Street and Joffery Ballet. At 16, she was presented the unique chance to perform at Disneyland, an opportunity that lead to an invitation to become a member of the Young Americans, a performance group based in Los Angeles, CA. In college and graduate school, she continued to incorporate dance into her academic endeavors, many times finding a way to infuse sometimes tiresome literary criticism with the liveliness and energy of dance. She has performed in several shows throughout the Chicagoland Area, and continues to perform with the Generations Dance Troupe, a company based in Hammond, IN and directed by Kathleen Dominiak. Now, as an instructor of MIDA, she hopes to share her love of dance and music with her students. She lives in Valparaiso with her partner James and their cat Chooch.
Deanna Gallardo has been a dancer since the age of 11, teaching for most of her life. She was born and raised in Northwest Indiana, studying with area studios and choreographers. As a lifelong learner, she has had the opportunity to be a student of dance professionals such as Mandy Moore, Nick Lazzarini, Doug Caldwell, and Joe Lanteri, to name a few. Deanna has taught and performed in various venues, and dance has taken her to places as far away as Denmark and the former Soviet Union. As owner and director of the academy, she is passionate about the education, physical development, and spiritual development of her students. With a heart for children, she teaches levels from 18 months to 18 years. "I always knew I would be working with kids," she adds, "they are so genuine--they make me laugh everyday!" Deanna is also the director of the Mirror Image Dance Academy Preschool, which she founded in 2005. The preschool is the area's first comprehensive dance and academic preschool. On a personal note, Deanna holds degrees in English and Business from Indiana University, and is also a professional photographer (see link to galleried fine art portraiture!) In real life, Deanna resides in Valpo with her husband and love of her life, Dave, and their two children, Jordan and Kamryn. Deanna has a motto that she believes best describes her business philosophy: Quality, Consistency, and Christ's Love. Now, in her 9th year of business, Deanna believes that the best is yet to come!
Lauren comes to us from Detroit, MI and is currently a pre-pharmacy student at Valparaiso University. She started taking ballet at the age of 4, but quickly decided to try tap, jazz, lyrical, and modern. Back home, she danced for two studios before she found Mary Skiba's School of Dance where she danced from 5th grade through her senior year of high school. In her last two years as a student there, she was part of the competition team and danced in the Production ballet, Production jazz, and Company ballet pieces the team performed. Now, as a student at Valparaiso University, she is part of the Dance Ensemble and performs for the Generations Dance Troupe, as well. Dance is and always has been an important part of her life and she could not imagine life without it. She wishes to continue dancing throughout her college career and hopefully for the rest of her life.
Steven P. Spanopoulos is THRILLED to be a part of Team Mirror Image, portraying a different role for the year to come. Having instructed tap and theatre dance for nine years, Steven now serves as tap consultant, setting routines onto students for community and competitive purposes. While on staff, his work kept the students “on their toes”, challenging them with standard steps and creative quirks. Now residing in Illinois, Steven continues teaching tap at three suburban schools and studies as a Vet Technician. Steven also provides his best remarks while adjudicating/master class instructing for Dance Educators of America, Spotlight Cup and CELEBRATION Talent competitions. When out of the studio/clinic and not judging dance, Steven enjoys stage time just as much as his students. Past Credits include: Singin’ in the Rain, A Chorus Line, State Fair and 42nd St. at Theatre at the Center and CHICAGO at Pheasant Run. Steven was also an ABSOLUT Tapper through Up-Shot Marketing Agency, Chicago. In NW Indiana, including Valparaiso University, he has choreographed over 30 shows and performed in several at the Memorial Opera House and the Towle Theatre, winning him seven NW Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation Awards for acting, directing and choreography. Steven wishes to thank his Family and Friends, especially at Mirror Image. “Although I am the one responsible for teaching, I often times find myself learning more from my students. Thank you all! Much success to Dee, the staff, students and parents alike. Let us all be thankful and share our gifts with pride!”
Paulena has been dancing for 14 years. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Dance (with honors!) from Alma College. She has danced with the "Vaudvillities" and choreographed and danced at conferences and churches across the Midwest and Florida. She is the leader of the Praise Dance team at her church. Paulena joined the MIDA team in October of 2007 and loves her job as an instructor. She also enjoys helping her husband of five years, Jeff, with the Children's Ministry division at their church.
Suzanne Langlois comes to us with over twenty years of dancing experience. She started dance at the tender age of two years old. Suzi competed on the dance team at her dance school all through high school. She continued taking dance through college while receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She taught third grade for five years before making the decision to stay home and raise her children. She has been married to her husband, Joe for eleven years. They have three children: Gregory (7), Garrett (5) and Grace (3). Grace has already been dancing at Mirror Image since she was eighteen months old. Suzanne is so happy to be back teaching again and loves being part of the Mirror Image family.
Mirror Image Dance Academy was founded in 1998 by Pamela Larsen, a Wisconsin native, who started and grew the business as a twin business to her sister's in West Bend Wisconsin (hence the name Mirror Image.) In 2001, Deanna Gallardo, one of the primary instructors for Ms. Larsen, bought the business from Pamela who has since relocated back to Wisconsin.
Under Deanna's ownership, the studio has come to be known as one of the finest in the region. In fact, in February 2005, Mirror Image was voted the number one studio in Porter County by the Times newspaper readers. Directing and producing, Deanna Gallardo and staff turn out two exceptional shows a year, a Christmas show and a Spring Recital. In addition, Mirror Image Dance Academy holds classes 6 days a week for students ages 18 months through adult. Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, pointe, modern, and praise dance. There are performing companies for ages 5 and up. In 2007, Mirror Image founded a Christian dance company called "Agape Dance" -- the first of its kind in the region.
In 2008, the Mirror Image Junior and Senior Companies were asked to perform at Walt Disney World in August 2009. They gladly accepted. Also, in 2009, the MIDA Competition Team took first place in nearly every piece they entered at the "I Love Dance" convention. With two showcases, three competitions and several performance opportunities around the community, Mirror Image is looking to enjoy another sucessful year!!! Join us!
