Travis Lim Talks About His Canada’s Got Talent Redemption And Embracing His Dance Purpose

A dancer we know and love!

For years, Travis Lim has been impressing the world with his incredible dancing skills. From performing on multiple TV competition shows to becoming a championship dancer, this performer is one of a kind.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Travis about balancing his career with college, his growth as a dancer, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in dancing?

T: “From a young age, I always had more energy than I could handle. My mom enrolled me in seven different sports, as well as modeling and acting, but when I started dancing, it was clear I’d found my passion. My journey began almost 17 years ago in a small Hip Hop studio in Richmond, BC. The raw energy, the culture, and the freedom to express myself spoke to me in a way that nothing else had. From there, my passion just kept growing, and once I started competing and representing Canada on international stages, I knew this was more than just a hobby—it was what I wanted to dedicate my life to. Competing on global stages, collaborating with incredible artists, and teaching this craft have all inspired me to continue pushing as a performer and educator.”

What music artist would you say consistently releases music that is worth creating choreography for?

T: “One artist whose music really resonates with me is Black Coffee, a DJ from South Africa. His soulful house tracks have a depth and rhythm that make them perfect for freestyle and choreography. House dance originated in the clubs of Chicago and New York, born from the underground scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Legends like Frankie Knuckles and clubs like The Warehouse in Chicago helped shape the sound and culture of house music. The dance style that evolved with it is all about freedom, groove, and expression, making it one of my favorite styles to dance. There’s something about the soulful and emotional layers in Black Coffee’s music that resonates with me and brings that raw, expressive energy to life on the dance floor.”

We love the video you shared of you dancing when you were 7. How much do you think you have grown as both a dancer and as a person from then to now?

T: “Looking back at that video, I see a kid who just loved to move, and that part of me hasn’t changed. But I’ve definitely grown a lot since then. As a dancer, my technique and understanding of movement have developed through years of training and performing. On a personal level, I’ve learned so much about perseverance, humility, and how to navigate both success and failure. Competing on the world stage, winning titles, and even dealing with setbacks have all contributed to my growth. But at the end of the day, the joy and passion for dance that you see in that video is still what drives me today.”

What has been the most validating moment of your career thus far?

T: “The most validating moment recently was leading my hometown team, GRVMNT, to the Canada’s Got Talent stage and earning the Golden Buzzer after a decade-long journey. Back in 2012, I auditioned as a soloist, traveling across Canada but not making the cut. That rejection only fueled my passion, leading to opportunities like hosting Hip Hop with Travis Lim on Shaw TV, touring with World of Dance, and competing on NBC’s World of Dance. When CGT returned in 2022, I knew I had to finish my mission. Balancing full-time student life at UCLA and rehearsing through video during the pandemic made it challenging, but making it to the stage with my team as finalists was an unforgettable moment. It reminded me that persistence and passion truly pay off and motivated me to keep pushing forward despite what obstacles that may lay ahead.”

What is the best piece of advice you can give to aspiring dancers who want to make it into a career?

T: “The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to focus on the purpose and not just the outcome. 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 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 achievements and has helped me navigate both the highs and lows of my career.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

T: “You can follow my journey on Instagram @travis_lim_ent and my Facebook page Travis Lim
Entertainment, where I share a mix of performances, dance content, and insights into my life as
a dancer.”

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.