Conversations with Travis Lim

Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Lim

Hi Travis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Travis Lim, and I’m a professional dancer and artist from Vancouver, Canada. My infatuation with dance first started on my parents’ home computer, I would spend hours watching Michael Jackson performances, trying to emulate the iconic dances. At the young age of 6, I signed up for classes at my local Hip Hop studio and I knew I had discovered my passion. I spent my early years as a competitive dancer winning prestigious events such as HipHop International’s World Hip-Hop Championships and becoming a 3x Gold Medalist at the IDO World Dance Championships. My competitive achievements propelled me to opportunities like touring around the globe with World of Dance as a teen, exposing me early on to some of the best dancers worldwide. Inspired by these tours, my next step was making it on TV.

This next chapter of my life was highlighted by my experiences on NBC’s World of Dance Season 2, receiving the Golden Buzzer on Canada’s Got Talent, and even creating and hosting my own Hip Hop TV series on ShawTV “Hip Hop with Travis Lim”. As I checked off more of my childhood goals, at the top of my list was to pursue my art in University. The momentum I gained from my experiences gave me the confidence to pursue an education at UCLA and I graduated with a BA in Dance. While at school, I balanced the demands of being a full-time student and professional dancer studying on my weekdays and flying across Canada on my weekends to perform, judge competitions, and teach conventions. While it was no easy task, especially during COVID-19, these experiences geared me for what was to come in the professional world.

Today, I am signed with McDonald Selznick Associates and working as a full-time teaching artist, professional dancer, and choreographer. I am so fortunate to get to pursue my art full-time and share my story with the hopes of inspiring others to chase their passion too. Whether it’s dancing in music videos, engaging with my street dance community, or competing on the world stage, I love being a professional dancer and most of all, I cherish the opportunity to pursue those same dreams I set out for myself when I started this journey.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No matter how much experience you have in your craft, the feeling of self-doubt is an ongoing challenge. As a professional dancer, rejection is a constant companion, whether it’s a missed opportunity or a straight-up no. It’s part of the journey, but each setback tests my resolve and reminds me of the persistence required to succeed. Reflecting on my early days helps ground me. I remember the countless auditions for Canada’s Got Talent back in 2012, where each rejection felt like a personal defeat despite the relentless hours of practice and preparation.

Back then, 11-year-old Travis was eagerly chasing a dream and grappling with the harsh reality of not making the cut. Those experiences, though difficult, were crucial in shaping my understanding of persistence. After a decade of dedication and overcoming numerous obstacles, Canada’s got Talent announced it’s return. Leading my hometown team to receive the Golden Buzzer and make the finale of Canada’s Got Talent was a powerful affirmation of the values I learned along the way. It underscored that unwavering belief in oneself and a commitment to one’s craft can turn rejection into triumph.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a full-time teaching artist and professional dancer, my work spans across both educational and performance realms. In my role as a teaching artist, I’m fortunate to travel the world, adjudicating and teaching at prestigious events like 5-6-7-8 Showtime, Dance World Cup, and iDance Convention, as well as providing Hip Hop programming across 5 school districts in Los Angeles. My mission is to empower students to find their unique voices through Hip Hop dance, helping them connect with others and become positive influences in their communities. This year alone, I’m proud to announce I’ve reached over 1,500 students across more than 25 schools, guiding them in discovering the transformative power of dance.

On the performance side, I recently graduated with a BA in Dance from UCLA, an experience that significantly broadened my artistic perspective. Exploring diverse dance approaches and delving into Hip Hop’s historical and social significance has deepened my understanding of how the aesthetics and impact of my art intersect. This education has inspired me to push boundaries and explore innovative ways of approaching dance while honoring its rich history. Since signing with MSA in Los Angeles, I’ve had the opportunity to work on more high-profile projects and am excited to continue showcasing the depth and versatility of Hip Hop dance, both on the global stage and in everyday contexts.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the role of passion and purpose. When I transitioned from being a competitive dancer to pursuing a professional career at UCLA, I faced the challenge of redefining my motivation. Without the awards and accolades that once drove me, I had to fall in love with the craft itself rather than the external recognition. This shift pushed me to discover a deeper sense of purpose and develop a mindset to lead with that vision. Embracing my purpose in dance—whether it’s to inspire others, tell a story, or push the boundaries of my artistry—has been the guiding force behind my movement and has helped me navigate both the highs and lows of my career.

Pricing:

• Private Dance Lessons ($80/hour)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travis_lim_ent/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travislimentertainment

Image Credits
Owen Scarlett
Kuna Photography
CityTV
Teal Thomsen
Brooke Boyer
Romy Young