LAWRENCE — Scott Doherty knows what it's like to perform in front of 20,000 screaming fans. And he knows what it's like to crisscross the world as part of a major dance production.
Now, the Lawrence native knows something else — what it feels like to be a world champion.
Doherty recently took top honors at Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne 2009, the first Irish stepdancing world championships held on American soil.
"It's still not real," said Doherty, 22, who tours the world with the renowned "Lord of the Dance" Irish stepdancing show. "It's absolutely incredible."
This year's contest drew the largest number of competitors ever, with more than 6,000 dancers representing 400 schools from five continents. Among those in attendance was Doherty's idol, Michael Flatley, the first American to win the World Champion title.
Doherty won in the senior men's category, for those over 21. He was up against 34 other dancers, many of whom dance professionally, as he does.
"I was up against some of my best friends, some of the best dancers I have ever seen," said Doherty, who's been dancing since he was 6. "Of all the years to win, this was the best year."
To prepare for the competition, he practiced two hours a day beyond his usual practices for shows and rehearsals. He also took extra classes at his school, the O'Shea-Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance, which offers classes in the Boston area as well as at St. Patrick School in Lawrence. The schedule was exhausting, but he said it was worth it.
"I didn't realize how hard I worked for it until someone said to me, 'Wow, all that hard work paid off,'" Doherty said.
In addition to winning the World Championship this year, he took home his eighth title as a New England Champion and his first wins as North American and Great Britain champions.
"It's been a great year," said Doherty, who started dancing professionally at 18. "It feels like I am doing what I am meant to be doing."
Now, he can finally relax a bit. He said he plans to retire from competition and continue touring with "Lord of¬ the Dance," which comes to Lowell Memorial Auditorium on April 30 and Boston's Opera House from May 15-17.
"It's a dream come true," said Doherty, of touring with the show. "Every night we get a standing ovation from people around the world. There is nothing like it."
The cast includes his older brother Brian, a seven-time New England champion.
"He couldn't be prouder," said Doherty of his older brother. "I couldn't do any of this without my family, my teachers. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be anywhere now."
