In 1995, he attended a summer intensive at the San Francisco Ballet School, where de Avila's daughter Lola taught.
Later that year, he won the Prix de Lausanne at the age of 15, making him the youngest dancer to receive the award.
[1][2] At age 17, he was offered a contract to join the San Francisco Ballet by the artistic director, Helgi Tómasson, though Garcia decided to study for one more year.
[1][2] In 2004, he made a guest appearance at the New York City Ballet and danced Ballo della Regina, as a part of George Balanchine's centennial.
[3] Garcia joined the New York City Ballet as a principal dancer in October 2007.