MARIETTA — The Georgia Ballet, based in Marietta, will launch its 2011-12 season with a tribute to George Gershwin.

The season will kick off in October with an eclectic mixed repertoire program called “Rhythm and Rhapsody,” and then move on to the annual holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” The season will conclude with “Swirling Soiree: An Evening of New Dances, Great Finds and Tasty Eats,” featuring original dance and a silent auction.

“Rhythm and Rhapsody” will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 and 2 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center in Marietta. The company describes the show as an exciting performance of spirited elegance set to the musical works of legendary American composer Gershwin.

The performance includes “Prelude Pictures,” a world premiere by The Georgia Ballet’s award-winning resident choreographer, Janusz Mazon, as well as “Who Cares?,” a medley of dances by famed New York City Ballet co-founder George Balanchine, and the ballet classic, “Aurora’s Wedding,” from “The Sleeping Beauty.”

“‘Rhythm and Rhapsody’ will demonstrate a remarkable and exciting range of dance styles from the classical to the contemporary,” said Michele Ziemann-DeVos, executive director.

“It will also showcase the jazzy, upbeat, romantic melodies of George Gershwin. All your favorite songs will be danced to in this performance.”

December will bring back the classic “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 2 to 4 at the Cobb Civic Center. At 7 p.m. Dec. 3, four local leaders will exchange their business suits for tights while serving as guest dancers.

“We are very excited for this year’s ‘Celebrity Nutcracker,’” Ziemann-DeVos said.

“Four more community leaders — to be revealed in a special announcement next month — will join the ranks of former celebrity dancers such as Sam Olens, Van Pearlberg, Tim Lee, Rob Garcia, Dr. Lisa Rossbacher and Dr. Emily Lembeck to raise funds for this year’s selected charity, the YWCA of Northwest Georgia.”

The season finishes up with “Swirling Soiree: An Evening of New Dances, Great Finds and Tasty Eats,” at 7 p.m. Feb. 4. in the Murray Arts Center on the campus of Mount Paran Christian School in Kennesaw.

The company’s professional dancers will perform an evening of all-new works by established and emerging choreographers. The event will include a reception and a silent auction, the proceeds of which will benefit the company’s activities and educational programs.

Founded in 1960, the nonprofit Georgia Ballet is a regional professional dance company and a dance school. There are 16 contracted professional dancers with the company this year.

For tickets to “Rhythm and Rhapsody,” “The Nutcracker,” and “Swirling Soiree,” call the Georgia Ballet at (770) 528-0881 or visit www.georgiaballet.org. Ticket prices start at $15. Group ticket discounts are available.