The Atlanta Ballet features classics, as well as new works for season finale

The final performance of the Atlanta Ballet's 80th anniversary season is "Sheer Exhilaration." The mixed-rep program includes classics and new works.

An exhibit, "Enduring Images: 80 Years of Atlanta Ballet" will be on view. The exhibit includes photographs and memorabilia of America's oldest continuously operating ballet company.

"Sheer Exhilaration" and the exhibit can be seen May 6-9 in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway in Marietta. The exhibit is free.

The program includes pieces of ballet history like Diane Cobrun-Bruning's "Berceuse," Ben Stevenson's "Three Preludes," Christopher Hampson's "Sinfonietta Giocosa," Victor Quijada's "Impending Savour Assessment" and Bennyroyce Royon's "Me in Your Fall." Quijada's piece is a world premiere.

Atlanta Ballet director John McFall will also feature "Lost," a ballet by Kennesaw State University dance director Ivan Pulinkala. The piece is a collaboration between the Atlanta Ballet and KSU and features John Welker, a second-year student in the dance program, and a 15-year veteran of the Alanta Ballet.

"Enduring Images" includes 80 items including photographs, costumes, props and souvenirs. Each decades is represented, with the oldest ones dating back to the early days of founder Dorothy Alexander and the Atlanta Civic Ballet.

Most items are on loan from Emory University's Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Library. Other items are personal photographs and mementos of former faculty and dancers.

"Sheer Exhilaration" can be seen 7:30 p.m. May 6, 8 p.m. May 7, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 8 and 2:30 p.m. May 9.

Tickets are $20-$120.

Call 800-982-2787.