You may remember Karla Garcia from our issues past. She just finished an amazing run on SYTYCD. Listen to what she thinks about ketchup and her advice about being nice.

What were you feeling when you got eliminated?
I kind of expected to be in Bottom 3. Vitolio and I had a really good routine, but we were a brand new couple and we’d both already been in the Bottom 3. I knew it would be impossible to win over new fans in only one week, so I wasn’t too surprised.

What’s your opinion of “Dance For You Life”?
I don’t know if it’s an accurate way of determining the elimination. The judges look at your past, present, and future on the show. I gave it my all during my solo, but Nigel told me that throughout the journey, I didn’t have that star quality. I accepted the decision because it’s a reality show.  

Learning the quickstep was…
Really hard! The chemistry was especially difficult, since it’s so intimate. But the piece was really entertaining, especially with the acting element. Our choreographer Jean Marc made it so much easier. The choreographers have a lot to do with your experience on the show. If they’re involved with the process, it can really help your performance. Jean Marc was a blessing, especially because of all his crazy analogies!

If you could’ve done anything differently, what would it be?
I don’t regret anything. I had so much fun, but I wish that I didn’t let my frustrations and emotions get to me. The stress definitely got to me. 

How do you want America to remember you?
At our goodbye dinner, everyone said something nice about Vitolio and I. Everyone told me how much they respect me not only as a dancer, but as a person. Of course I want to be remembered as a good dancer, but also as a genuine personality on and off the stage.

How did Michael Jackson  influence your career?
Michael Jackson is an icon. He is timeless. Classic. An amazing artist. An influence to millions of artists growing up. Whether you’re from his generation or not, his work affects you. I think of him like ketchup. I put ketchup on everything and it’s so good; you can listen to Michael at any time, dance to his music at any time… He’s good with everything!

Love the analogy. What was the highlight of your SYTYCD experience?
Working with Stacey Tookey. She invested in Jonathan and I as a couple. She wanted to showcase our talent and she wanted us to do well, since we were the underdogs. She made us look good and feel good. Working with her was the best week of my experience.

What’s next?
I want to spend more time with my family. I got a few offers to teach and perform, and I’ll be doing the Radio City Christmas Show in NYC.

What was the biggest obstacle you overcame?
Realizing that it’s a TV show. It’s not a dance competition, like the ones you went to back in the day. There’re a lot of things you can’t control on a reality show.

The best part of the show was…
The 123s. That’s when we’re announced at the beginning of each episode (you know, “Karla!”). There’s no pressure, everyone’s screaming your name, you can wear what you want and dance how you want. It’s the one moment you truly feel like a star. Also, getting your hair and makeup done. I feel like a two year old now because I don’t know what to do with myself! Performing a solo; it’s a blessing to dance by yourself on that stage.

Most valuable advice from a choreographer?
Stacey told Jonathan and I to own everything. We have the technique, the movement quality and ability to wow the audience. Forget the politics and the frustrations. Just enjoy your experience.

Name one thing you couldn’t live without on the show.
Jonathan. I love Jonathan! We developed this bond. We were unknown because we weren’t really shown in the episodes before the Top 20. We both had the same mindset. We rehearsed for hours. We had a natural chemistry, so it was really easy to be intimate on stage. I knew the journey wouldn’t be the same after he left. 

Now’s your chance to speak to the next generation…
Being on a show like SYTYCD, you realize a lot about yourself. Being perceived a certain way, then trying to break out of that shell. Stay true to yourself, because it can get very hard to do so.

Karla Garcia belongs to the next generation. Did Vitolio feel the same way about their quickstep? Find out what he has to say.