Do you recognize this gorgeous gal? One of SYTYCD’s Top 20 tells us how she made it this far, how to find your voice, and offers a lesson in typos. So you better listen and listen good as we present Miss Karla Garcia.

Before your own reality show experience, seeing your fellow Boogie Bots on ABDC was…
Unreal. I’m happy they had the opportunity to showcase their creativity and performance abilities on TV. The world’s opening its eyes to dance through shows like ABDC and SYTYCD.

5 boys vs. 2 girls. How do you stand your ground?
We work twice as hard to prove we can do everything they can do. I like the challenge of having to be more physical. They break, pop, flip and motivate me to be more versatile. But I love bringing that girlie spice. It gives the crew's look another dimension.

Now it’s your time to shine. How did you find your voice?
When I got to Tisch, I realized I could learn from prima ballerinas, modern movers and strong jazz dancers. Everyone had a voice. I knew this was my opportunity to create my OWN. I also learned more about the foundations of hip hop and its subcultures. There was a world of b-boy battles and club styles like vogueing, wacking and housing that I was totally unaware of. This awareness helped me achieve my “voice”, but it’s an ongoing process. I learn something new about myself everyday.

How did you find your knack for choreography, like in “Blackbird”?
I love soulful music. I’m more successful when music moves me, rather than trying to make movement fit the music. I started dipping into the choreography realm when I was in a dance composition class at Tisch. I never thought choreography could be broken down that much- dynamics, space, tempo, high points, low points, phrasing, text… It was overwhelming but I'm grateful for it.

You’ve learned a lot. Any choreo advice to share?
Have meaning in everything you do. If there’s concept or story to tell, use it as a foundation for your piece. Theme motivates movement.

Talk to the dancers who struggle with their own choreography…
Try everything. It doesn't always work out as you envision it, but you never know unless you try! Take different classes, watch dance performances, go to an underground dance club, and step outside your comfort zone. Feed your mind with stories and ideas. Read books. Watch movies. The more educated you are, the more ability you’ll have to take what you know, make it yours and wow the crowd.

We heard you wowed the crowd with
Wicked.
I was so blessed to tour with Wicked in ‘08. (I auditioned for it for years!) I loved Wayne Cilento's choreography- sassy, contemporary, lyrical, jazzy and theatrical all at the same time.

The highlight of your career before SYTYCD was…
My Broadway debut in HOT FEET. It was my final year at NYU. Choreographer Maurice Hines called me out after I auditioned and said “Girl, you can dance!” I went back to my dorm, hoping for a callback. They didn't call. A day passed and I decided to check an email address that I never checked anymore, but was on my resume. There, I saw an email from the casting director telling me to call them immediately. It turns out they had been trying to call me, but ONE digit of my phone number was wrong! (Note to dancers - proofread your resumes!) I called, the casting director told me I booked the show and I have an embarrassing but happy-ending story I’ll never forget.

Did you grow up knowing you wanted this lifestyle?
I knew since my 1st tap solo at 9. Of course, I didn't know then how hard it would actually be. But I've never regretted anything and I've never lost my passion.

Besides dance, you love…
Movies. I get really emotionally invested in films, and I think they make me a better choreographer. I also enjoy playing the piano by ear, writing and the color red.

gendance wishes Karla the best of luck on this season of SYTYCD. We’ll be cheering for you!