Deanna Gallardo has been owner and director of Mirror Image Dance Academy for the past 19 years, and has used her creative talents to establish a high quality, progressive, Christian-based dance academy.  Her dance background includes dancing in theater productions, and overseas.  She has choreographed numerous musicals, recitals, and productions, but her true passion is in teaching children.  “The studio is a realization of several passions of mine:  dancing, teaching, and ministering to youth,” she admits.  “I love coming to work and laughing every day.  The little ones are so honest and loving, and the older students are always eager to learn.”  Deanna can be found teaching a variety of classes at Mirror Image from Lil' Angels (for 30-36 months) to Praise, to Team class.  She also teaches dance at Mirror Image Dance Preschool, which she founded 13 years ago.  In addition, Deanna holds degrees in English and Business, and is a professional photographer. 

Deanna and Dave, her husband of 30 years, reside in Valparaiso and have two grown children, Jordan and Kamryn, and one very spoiled dog, Kenzie.

Molly Vass began her dance training at the age of 3.  She performed and competed for many years before becoming a dance instructor and choreographer for Mirror Image.  She has appeared in numerous plays, musicals, show choirs, and dance teams throughout Northwest Indiana.  She has taught high school dance teams across the U.S. while on staff with Fred J. Miller Summer Clinics and is a sought after choreographer for dance teams in Michigan and Indiana.  She also trained at Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Rhythm World as well as the Joffrey Ballet School’s jazz and contemporary summer intensive.  Molly graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hope College in Holland, MI, receiving a BA in English and dance education.  While at Hope, she performed with Striketime Dance Company as well as Insync Dance Theater, serving as choreographer and tap rehearsal director. Upon graduation, Molly was the sole recipient of the Florence Cavanaugh Award for demonstrating excellence in dance technique, choreography, performance, and teaching.  She also received the Sandrene Schutt award for showing promise towards a career in teaching.  She is currently pursuing all of her passions and staying busy by teaching English at VHS, performing as a company member of Jorstap Chicago, and teaching at Mirror Image.