TRAVIS LIM

Travis, your journey from a small studio in Richmond, BC, to international stages is truly inspiring. Can you share what initially sparked your passion for Hip-Hop dance and how that passion has evolved over the years?

From a young age, I had more energy than I knew what to do with, and no sport or activity seemed to contain it—until I found a small Hip Hop studio in Richmond, BC. That’s when everything clicked. Hip Hop’s raw energy, creativity, and authenticity immediately hooked me, and from that moment on, I knew dance was my calling. Over the years, as my competitive career took off, my passion for dance deepened, especially when I had the honor of representing Canada on the world stage. Bringing home Gold at both the HHI World Hip Hop Championships and the IDO World Dance Championships were moments that fuelled my drive.

Now, living in Los Angeles, my passion has evolved beyond competition. It’s about sharing the culture, teaching the next generation, and constantly redefining what dance means to me. My goals now are centered around pushing creative boundaries, connecting commercial and freestyle worlds, and using dance as a tool to uplift my community. I’m still just as inspired as when I started, but now that spark is combined with a responsibility to pass on what I’ve learned.

You’ve achieved incredible milestones, from winning a Golden Buzzer on Canada’s Got Talent to becoming a World Champion at Hip Hop International. How did these achievements shape your confidence and drive as a dancer?

Each achievement has been a building block in my journey. Winning the Golden Buzzer and becoming a World Champion weren’t just about accolades; they were moments that validated my hard work and dedication. These experiences have bolstered my confidence and fueled my drive to keep pushing forward. But it wasn’t a straight path to those successes. With each of these achievements, I had to face failure first. At Hip Hop International, after winning silver in 2010, we narrowly missed the podium year after year, until 2014, where we finally captured gold in my last year in the division. The same thing happened with CGT—I auditioned at every location across Canada in 2012 and didn’t make it to the stage. After Ten years of continuing to chase my passion and working hard at my craft, I made it to the stage and beyond. These moments remind me of what’s possible with persistence and passion, and they motivate me to continue striving for excellence despite the obstacles that may laiein my path.

Your journey wasn’t without its challenges, especially the decade-long gap between your first audition for Canada’s Got Talent and your eventual Golden Buzzer win. How did you stay motivated during those tough times, and what lessons did you learn along the way?

TAcepting rejection and loss at a young age was tough. But those feelings always seemed to disappear the moment I stepped back into the studio. I never tied my self-worth to achievements or accolades; for me, it was always about the joy of dance. As long as I could keep dancing with my teammates, express myself, and stay focused on what was coming next, I didn’t let setbacks deter me from my passion. If one opportunity didn’t pan out, I would feel the disappointmdisappointed my focus to the next challenge.

Competing at HHI year after year and falling just short of the podium was frustrating, but those experiences taught me resilience. Between the hard moments, I had incredible opportunities to travel, meet amazing dancers, and build lifelong bonds with my team. My friends joke that I’m a “glass fully full” kind of person. Even when the glass is half empty, I see the potential to fill it all the way up and enjoy a tall glass of milk. It’s about finding joy in the process, no matter the outcome.

As someone who balances being a professional dancer, teacher, and adjudicator, how do you manage your time and energy across these different roles, and how do each of these roles contribute to your growth as an artist?

Balancing these roles is all about time management and passion, but it didn’t come easy. I learned the hard way, especially while juggling my career and being a full-time student—renting studio space to teach classes in between school hours, flying out to adjudicate and teach at conventions on weekends, and choreographing for school shows with Outspoken and WACsmash.There were moments where I stretched myself too thin, missed opportunities, or couldn’t keep up with everything I’d committed to. But through those failures, I learned the value of prioritization and self-discipline.

Now, each role feeds into the others—performing keeps my skills sharp, teaching allows me to pass on knowledge and inspire, and adjudicating gives me a broader view of the dance world. I’ve become better at managing these different areas, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how they all contribute not only to my growth as an artist but also to the growth of the wider dance community.

You’ve had the opportunity to study dance at UCLA while also building a professional career. How did your education influence your approach to dance, and how do you see the importance of education for aspiring dancers?

Studying at UCLA while building a professional career allowed me to challenge and redefine my perspective on dance, both as an art form and as an academic discipline. Coming from a street dance background, I initially feared that my form—Hip Hop—had no place in traditional educational settings. Historically, dancers like myself have faced resistance in institutions that focus on Euro-centric approaches to dance. But pursuing higher education gave me the opportunity to share my unique perspective, and the supportive community at UCLA helped me grow artistically in ways I hadn’t imagined. Being exposed to various dance styles and viewpoints was incredibly enriching, and it opened me up to new ways of thinking about movement, performance, and expression.

As Hip Hop dancers, it’s important that we continue to advocate for our style and its impact on global culture. Hip Hop deserves to be valued, studied, and respected within academic institutions. It is a powerful and legitimate art form that has shaped generations, and we have a responsibility to ensure it’s treated as such. My education not only gave me tools to elevate my own artistry but also inspired me to push for greater inclusivity and recognition of Hip Hop within academia. We need to keep advocating for its place in these spaces so that the next generation of dancers can thrive, both on stage and in the classroom.

Hip Hop with Travis Lim, your TV series at just 15 years old, introduced you to the broader Hip Hop community in Vancouver. How did this early experience impact your understanding of the culture, and what did you take away from those interviews with local pioneers?

Hosting Hip Hop with Travis Lim was such an amazing experience. It wasn’t just about being on TV or showcasing local talent; it was my introduction to the deeper roots of Hip Hop culture in Vancouver. Sitting down with legends like Dedos, SonReal, DJ Flipout, and B-boy Y-Not was surreal—I was learning firsthand from people who lived and breathed hip-hop. I remember Y-Not talking about teaching hip-hop history at the University of Arizona, and that conversation stuck with me. It made me realize that hip-hop wasn’t just something I could perform—it was something I could study, understand, and pass on to others. That experience pushed me to pursue dance at UCLA and deepen my connection to the culture. It wasn’t just about dancing anymore; it was about truly standing where it all came from and sharing that with others.

You’ve mentioned the impact of watching Asian-Canadian dancers like Alex Wong on your career. Can you discuss the significance of representation in the dance community, especially for younger dancers who look up to you?

Dancers like Alex Wong, who share my Asian-Canadian background, had a huge impact on my early career. Watching him succeed, especially at a time when Asian representation in dance was so limited, gave me the belief that I could pursue dance at a high level, too. Another inspiring figure is B-boy Phil Wizard, a fellow Vancouverite and recent Olympic Breaking Champion, who pushes boundaries and shows what’s possible for dancers like us.

Representation is so important because it shows younger dancers that there are no limits to what they can achieve, regardless of their background. I want to become that kind of role model for the next generation, breaking down barriers not just in the dance world but in the minds of young Asian-Canadian dancers who dream like I did.

With the recent inclusion of Hip Hop in the Olympics, there’s a new spotlight on the genre. How do you see this development impacting the future of Hip Hop, and what role do you hope to play in that future?

The inclusion of Hip Hop in the Olympics is a huge milestone. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase Hip Hop’s unique blend of artistry and athleticism to a wider audience. For my students, it’s inspiring to see their passion represented on such a prestigious stage. It fuels their excitement and opens up new possibilities for their future in dance.

However, there’s also a critical need to address past media portrayals focusing on sensationalism and mockery. The coverage often failed to capture the genuine artistry and skill involved, reducing the culture to a mere punchline rather than honoring its depth and significance. With Hip Hop now -Hop now in the Olympic spotlight, there’s a vital opportunity to shift this narrative. My goal is to contribute to this positive change, ensuring that Hip-presented with the respect and celebration it truly deserves.

Your story is one of loss, redemption, and ultimately, triumph. What message do you want to convey to dancers who may be facing their own setbacks and challenges?

The message I want to convey is that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end of it. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow and learn. Embrace the process, stay persistent, and keep pushing forward. Success often comes from overcoming obstacles and staying true to your passion, even when the path isn’t clear. Remember that every great achievement starts with perseverance and a willingness to learn from setbacks.

Finally, as you continue to build your career and give back to the dance community, what are your goals for the future, and how do you plan to keep inspiring others through your journey?

Looking ahead, my goals are driven by both personal aspirations and a commitment to community impact. I’m determined to push the boundaries of dance and aim to be recognized among the best in the field. I’m thrilled about upcoming milestones, including performing in the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade and choreographing for various music videos. These experiences represent significant steps in expanding and refining my artistry.

At the same time, I’m deeply invested in elevating the dance community. I recently became a primary cast member of UniverSOUL’s H.O.P.E Show, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of dancers, performing at schools and prestigious venues across Los Angeles. This work aligns seamlessly with my mission to inspire the next generation and advocate for the art form. By staying true to my vision and embracing new opportunities, I aim to leave a legacy that uplifts others, pushes the boundaries of dance, and celebrates the profound impact of Hip Hop.