SYTYCD Star Marko Panzic speaks to Dance Informa about his time on Australia's favourite television show and his plans for the future...

Congratulations on becoming one of Australia’s Top 16 dancers! Tell us about the journey and experience – the highs and the lows of SYTYCD.
The experience was amazing! Prior to SYTYCD I worked as a professional Dancer/Choreographer and I have always been intrigued by dance on film. This journey has given me so much more insight and information on working with dance and choreography on T.V. My biggest high was working with Jason Gilkison - he is an absolute genius. As a choreographer myself, he inspired me and made me learn so much about creating and exploring the art of dance. To me, Jason is the Mia Michaels of Ballroom as he reinvents and pushes all boundaries! The worst part for me was my early departure, of course, because I felt like I was never really given the chance to do what I do best until my dance for my life, but like I said 'that's reality TV for you!'

What’s your most memorable SYTYCD moment?
Definitely the first time we performed on stage with a live audience. It was the most

breathtaking moment as a dancer, and so rewarding. I also felt this after my dance for my life solo.

How did you keep your energy and inspiration up under such a high pressure, gruelling dance schedule?
I loved the schedule. It was so full on, but I live to dance and that's all I ever do, so it was unreal to be dancing every second of the day seven days a week. But, a healthy diet and lots and lots of water definitely helps. Also I

Marko dances with Stephanie in Week 2

have to have my 8 hours sleep too.

What was it like working so closely with a Ballroom dancer with different training and style to you?
It was difficult, but Steph and I had a great relationship and worked really well together. I was so happy to have Steph as my partner as she is so positive and so much fun. Steph helped me a lot with the Jive and with how to partner, which was great to learn from a ballroom dancer, and I also helped Steph with the other styles. We had a lot of fun and crazy times.

Do you have any behind stage secrets or funny stories you would like to share? (You made mention of sharing the dancer’s secrets at your elimination…)
(Marko Laughs) Steph and I were definitely the crazy couple. We always had everyone laughing at us. I would always make Steph sing Tina Arena "Chains" which would be all out of key. Not many secrets to tell as everyone is pretty much very serious. Now that Steph and I are gone it would be very quiet!

Are you surprised by the audience vote each week?
Yes and No. I know its much more then a dance show. You have to have a major personality as this makes the general public love you. I wanted to let my dancing do all the talking as that's what I'm about. I know there are a lot of sympathy votes happening, but that is what makes great television. Steph and I survived a week with sympathy votes when Jason said that we would be in the bottom three that week. I was sure we would be, and then we were safe.... So its very interesting every Monday, as you never know what the public like and dislike.

Which dancer inspired you the most during your time on the show?
Well for me I went into the competition with thinking that Hilton was my biggest competition as we were both Jazz versatile dancers, so for me Hilton would have been my inspiration during the comp. I have taught Hilton at Brent Street, and have also taught Rhiannon so I was so proud to see them both do so well.

What has the competition taught you about yourself and your art form?
The competition has definitely brought back the passion of performing for me. As before this I was very into choreographing and teaching, so now I want to get back on stage as I love performing and the buzz after getting off stage - I love it.

What does the near future hold for Marko? Where will we see you in the next 6 months?
I'm actually in the process, and have been for a while, of getting my own dance company up and running. It will be a performance based group with some amazing, talented dancers. There are some very exciting times ahead. Also I will be focusing on performing and getting my choreography out there around Australia.

Where will we see you in 5 years? Plans, aspirations?
I would love to be living in New York or L.A working as a dancer in the States. That has always been a huge dream of mine. I would love to break into the American market of dance and bring a lot more wealth and knowledge to the commercial dance scene in Australia.