At age 16, Jason Gorman had a terrifying decision: Finish high school in Long Beach, or venture to Las Vegas for a shot at joining one of the world s most popular dance shows Lord of the Dance. I was scared out of my mind, admitted Gorman. He had no professional showbiz experience at that point, and no clue to how a big, internationally recognized company worked. Today, the 23-year-old is the title lead in the touring production of Lord of the Dance.

The Irish dance extravaganza comes to the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday. It was the best decision I ve ever made, Gorman said without hesitation. I ve traveled the world and performed in front of thousands and thousands of people and seen so many amazing things. Plus, he added, it looks pretty good on a resume. You tell people you ve been in Lord of the Dance for eight years, they pay attention, the dancer said with a laugh.

Created by Riverdance star Michael Flatley, Lord of the Dance first wowed audiences 11 years ago with its fast-paced footwork, moving Irish music and stadium-style pyrotechnics. The show follows an epic battle of good versus evil inspired by Irish folklore. With the aid of the Little Spirit, the Lord of the Dance fights to protect his people from the Dark Lord, Don Dorcha.

The world s highest grossing dance show, Lord has sold out shows in 67 countries and raked in more than $500 million in ticket sales. As Gorman points out, it s a dream job for any Irish dance enthusiast. He enrolled at the Celtic Gold Academy of Irish Dance in Westminster at age 13, and spent the next three years dancing in regional and national competitions. Gorman, whose repertoire includes ballet, jazz and modern dance, said not many knew about his passion for the Emerald Isle.