150 - Travis Lim: Lisa from Blackpink, Hollywood Arts, Lego, HHI, NBC's World of Dance, Canada's Got Talent, UCLA Graduate

<p><strong>Interview Date:</strong> September 13, 2026</p><p><br></p><p><strong>EPISODE SUMMARY</strong></p><p>Vancouver-born dancer, choreographer, and teacher <strong>Travis Lim</strong> joins Menina Fortunato to share his journey from childhood competitions and Michael Jackson-inspired solos to UCLA and professional dance work in Los Angeles. With credits including Lisa of BLACKPINK and Hollywood Arts, Travis offers an honest look at the artistic growth, relationships, and practical skills involved in building a career beyond the competition stage.</p><p><br></p><p>Travis reflects on the value of his UCLA dance education while explaining what it did not teach him about the business of working professionally. He discusses his family’s investment of approximately $400,000 CAD and the difference between developing as an artist and preparing to earn a living. The conversation also explores how he uses AI in his creative work, moves through perfectionism and comparison, and approaches projects with curiosity and a willingness to keep learning.</p><p><br></p><p>During the dancer Q&amp;A, Travis shares his perspective on networking, direct bookings, choosing an agency, communicating with agents, and showing up confidently in auditions. He also discusses developing an individual style, making choices about competition and professional work, and finding time to recover. This episode is perfect for aspiring professional dancers, dance parents weighing college options, and competition dancers ready to understand what comes next.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>SHOW NOTES</strong></p><ul><li>(00:51) – Introducing Travis Lim and his journey into professional dance</li><li>(03:44) – Childhood training, early competitions, and Michael Jackson’s influence</li><li>(07:29) – Moving to Los Angeles and choosing UCLA for dance</li><li>(13:43) – What his dance degree did not teach about the industry</li><li>(17:48) – Reflecting on a $400,000 CAD education investment</li><li>(22:01) – Using AI to support creative work and organize ideas</li><li>(28:46) – Working through perfectionism, comparison, and hesitation to create</li><li>(34:36) – Dancing with Lisa of BLACKPINK and learning from her professionalism</li><li>(36:28) – Behind the scenes of A Week Away and Hollywood Arts</li><li>(42:49) – Why networking and relationships matter for direct bookings</li><li>(45:59) – Choosing MSA and building communication with your agents</li><li>(50:49) – Standing out in auditions with confidenc