Frost on the ground and a chill in the air gave way to warm hearts Friday morning as parents, supporters and local leaders gathered in front of Selma City Hall to give dancers from Margie’s Dance Studio a grand sendoff.

The group was expected to arrive in New Orleans Friday afternoon to immediately begin rehearsals.

Studio owner Margie Burke said the excitement was at its peak as the girls loaded onto the bus. Burke also said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support the group has seen since they began preparations.

“We are taken aback by Selma’s hospitality,” she said. “The Selma high School band was here to play some New Orleans style music for us. We want to thank the community for coming out and supporting us once again.”

One of the dancers, Sarah Frasier, said this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “We worked really hard and we know it is all going to pay off when we get on the field.”

The dancers had their first meeting with their choreographer Friday evening. They will then work Friday night, all day Saturday, all day Sunday and will have a dress rehearsal on Monday.

They will be the only group from the state of Alabama among 200 total performers at the title game, along with only one group from Louisiana.