Kayla danced the Viennese Waltz with Evan, performed a solo, and dance in a Bollywood number. Mary said Kayla had class, elegance, and she never disappoints.
Top 14 - 07 / 01 / 09
Karla paired up with Vitolio for the Quickstep. Mary thought the pair did a great job bringing the choreography to life, and Mia thought Karla was gorgeous.
Top 16 - 06 / 17 / 09
Karla and Jonathan kicked off the night with a hip hop routine. The judges liked Karla's smooth moves, but they thought the couple had better chemistry last week.
Top 18 - 06 / 17 / 09
Karla danced a contemporary routine with Jonathan. The performance gave Cat chills, and Mary said Karla had beautiful lines.
Top 20 - 06 / 10 / 09
Karla and her new partner, Jonathan, performed a flirtatious Cha Cha routine. Judge Adam Shankman was impressed with Karla's beautiful technique and lines.
Las Vegas - 6 / 04 / 09
The judges told contemporary dancer Karla Garcia that she is in the Top 20. Karla nearly collapses from excitement in the hallway on the way to share the good news with Cat and the other finalists.
Are you in school? If so, which one and how long? Did you graduate?
No, I graduated from NYU in 2006.
Are you married?
No
Do you have any children?
No
Do you have a job?
Dance teacher/performer
How old were you when you started dancing?
3 years old
Do you have any formal dance training?
Yes, I trained in ballet, tap, and jazz for 15 years. Then I attended NYU’s Tisch School, where I studied modern dance.
If you had to categorize your dance style, what would it be?
Contemporary jazz
What other talents/hobbies do you have?
I play piano by ear, and free association writing is really relaxing to me.
Who is your favorite professional dancer?
My favorite entertainer of all time is Gene Kelly! He is a true artist.
Does anyone in your family dance professionally?
No
Have you performed in musical theater or in public functions as a dancer?
While I was in college I booked my first Broadway show, "Hot Feet." It was a dance musical choreographed by Maurice Hines, set to the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. I also performed in the ensemble of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Then, I went on tour for seven months with the amazing Broadway cast of "Wicked."
What would you like to see happen to you as a result of the show?
After the show, I hope to get more into acting! I've always wanted to do TV/film and hopefully this exposure might give me a chance.
Where would you like to be in 10 years and what would you like to be doing?
In 10 years, I'd love to be choreographing a show or running my own dance company. Regardless, I want to be happy and surrounded by the ones I love.
What has been your most memorable dance experience?
When I was 20 and I was in my first Broadway show, "Hot Feet." It was truly an unforgettable experience!
What have you learned so far in going through the audition process for this show?
I learned to always give everything I've got and never hold back. If it's meant to be, it will happen.
What are your favorite dance moments from movies, TV and/or stage?
I love the dancers and the choreography in the Cell Block Tango scene of the movie "Chicago." I love the soloist in the "Frug" scene of Sweet Charity revival, choreographed by Wayne Cilento. I also love Gene Kelly's "Singin' in the Rain" number, Cyd Charisse's moment in the chair during "Singin' in the Rain," Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" video and Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" video.
Which choreographers would you like to work with?
Hopefully I will get the chance to work with Mia Michaels, Napoleon & Tabitha, Wade Robson, Sonya Tayeh, and Andy Blakenbuehler!
Garcia is a graduate of New York University. Her early dance experience
included learning traditional Filipino folk dancing. Garcia performed
on Broadway in "Hot Feet," danced in the ensemble of the "Radio City
Christmas Spectacular" and went on to tour with "Wicked." She is a
member of "Boogie Bots Crew."
