Competitive dance teams from around the state will be making their way to Selma this Saturday for the first Battle Mania.

A team from Selma High School will join others from Montgomery and Dothan in the competition, which is meant to raise money to start a dance team in Selma — the Jazzy Jetsetters.

“The purpose of it is to raise money to start a competitive dance team in Selma because there’s not one,” said Stephanie Sims, who is heading up the effort.

“They have competitions in Montgomery all the time. So I said, ‘Why not go home and start something like that as well?’”

Sims currently lives in Montgomery but is from Selma and wanted to create a team in her hometown.

“I want to start the competitive dance team for young girls to help improve their self-assurance through dance and also to create a positive outlet,” Sims said.

So far, Sims said more than 300 tickets to the event have been sold, and she is hoping for even more.

On Oct. 24, tryouts will be held at the Selma Theater at 9 a.m. for those wanting to participate and be a member of the Jazzy Jetsetters.

“The name for the dance group was inspired by the late Jaylen Harville, a teen who valued scholarship and prioritized education,” a press release stated. “Although he is no longer with us, the Jazzy Jetsetters are upholding his legacy by being advocates of Students Who Achieve Good Grades (SWAG), and requiring all dancers to be scholars first by influencing others to excel academically and further their education.”

The battle, hosted by Brandon Hood, will be held at Wallace Community College Selma’s gymnasium Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3 p.m. The doors open at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased from Turning Heads Boutique or at the door for $15. For more information, call 526-0335 or email selmabattlemania@gmail.com.