The chance of a lifetime and a moment they’ll always remember.

That precious moment has come for Margie Burke and her 14 dancers ranging from the ninth to 12th grade, who will participate in the BCS National Championship game’s halftime show on Jan. 9, 2012, in the New Orleans Superdome.

Burke, whose dance Studio 4 was chosen among 50 other dance and cheer troupes across the country, is thrilled at the opportunity for her girls to represent Selma.

“This is the first time to my knowledge that this opportunity has presented itself,” Burke said. “We were researched and referred, so this is a major deal and it’s such an honor.”

The Bowl Games of America-Performance’s marketing department, picked Margie’s Dance Center and their information was sent to the director of dance and cheer division, Dayna Adams. The organization also invites junior high and high school bands, cheer, dance squads and dance studios from across the country to participate in nationally televised game events, such as the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla., Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Holiday Bowl in San Antonio, Texas to name a few.

“The process takes a lot of research,” Adams said. “Our marketing team finds the best of the best — those who have won national championships and have reputable programs. Once I received her name, I gave her a call immediately.”

The girls, who will leave Jan. 5 for the four-day event, will work with famous choreographers like Laurie Ann Gibson and Chris Judd, who’ve worked with Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears and N’SYNC.

“It’s a positive thing for the youth of this city to be recognized in this way,” Burke said. “They’ll also get an opportunity to work with other dancers and go beyond Selma. I’m proud to take this group.”

Adams, who has danced in college and professionally, believes this opportunity is a once in a lifetime experience for Burke and her girls.

“We definitely wanted her to go, because I wish I could’ve gone to something like this in high school,” Adams said. “From my experience in dancing at the Liberty, Fiesta and Emerald bowls in college, this is a perfect avenue for high school girls to see if they want to dance beyond the studio.”

Burke said her squad jumped at the opportunity to perform at the BCS game.

“We were able to vote between the two — Sugar Bowl or BCS game,” Burke said. “Of course, the girls voted unanimously to be a part of the BCS championship game. I’ll be working with the BGA’s performance director, destination specialist and event coordinator.”

Burke added the troupe is preparing daily for the event and fundraising.

“We’re doing our normal classes and recitals,” Burke said. “We’ll even be dancing through the summer to keep the girls in shape. Our girls are 100 percent involved in the decision-making.”

Burke said her girls come from Selma High School, Dallas County High School and Morgan Academy.