CUMBERLAND - To close out its 80th anniversary season, the Atlanta Ballet will present a mixed-repertoire called "Sheer Exhilaration" Thursday through Sunday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

The show promises to be an extravaganza of timeless classics, old favorites and exciting new works. Complementing it will be an exhibit showcasing the company's rich history dating back to founder Dorothy Alexander and the Atlanta Civic Ballet. "Enduring Images: 80 years of Atlanta Ballet" features photographs and memorabilia from the ballet's archive. The exhibit is free and open to the public at the Cobb Energy Centre.

"Sheer Exhilaration" is meant to highlight the company's 80-year history. It will feature beloved classics as well as originals to showcase its talented corps of dancers.

Among classic performances will be Diane Cobrun-Bruning's "Berceuse" and Ben Stevenson's "Three Preludes," both of which have become audience favorites through the years. Christopher Hampson's high energy "Sinfonietta Giocosa" will also return.

Two up-and-coming choreographers will present their new works during the performance. Victor Quijada will present "Impending Savour Assessment" and Bennyroyce Royon will offer the company premiere of "Me in Your Fall."

Artistic director John McFall has also invited Kennesaw State University dance director Ivan Pulinkala to stage his groundbreaking 7-minute piece "Lost," a product of the two institution's partnership. It stars company dancer and first-year KSU student John Welker.

"The work is based on the idea of ancestry and the paths created by our loved ones who pass on to another world," said Pulinkala, 35. "Everyone has experienced loss of some kind. The score for this work chants imagery that represents the mundane and the personal, creating a soundscape that allows the choreography to investigate the idea of human loss."

"Lost" was first performed in November at KSU, where McFall viewed it. The original work features soloist John Welker and 15 supporting dancers who represent his ancestors who appear to be watching over him and leading him through life.

"I originally choreographed this work for John Welker. He is an outstanding performer and artist who brings a great level of technical and intellectual detail to the work," Pulinkala said. "He is an absolute joy to work with - humble, extremely talented and one of the most powerful performers in the region."

Welker, 33, said "Lost" is different from other pieces he's performed because of its unique music and loneliness of his character on-stage. "I enjoy performing 'Lost' not just because of the great movement quality, but it's a very intimate and personal piece that resonates into the audience," said Welker, who is in his 15th year with the Atlanta Ballet.

Welker appeared in some of this season's most popular shows, including "The Magic Flute," "The Nutcracker," "Cinderella" and "Four Seasons." "This season has been about celebrating ballet at its grandest," McFall said. He said next season will have an eclectic mix of works.

The 81st season of the Atlanta Ballet will kick off on Oct. 22 with the premiere of the dazzling "Moulin Rouge - The Ballet." It will be followed by "The Nutcracker" annual performance at Atlanta's Fox Theatre. February's production of "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Fusion: Lambarena & A World Premiere" in March will be back at Cobb Energy Centre. "Ignition: New Choreographic Voices," in May will culminate the season at the Alliance Theatre stage of the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta.

Season ticket packages range from $44 to $364 and are on sale now.

"Sheer Exhilaration" will run for five performances beginning Thursday. Tickets start at $20. For tickets, call (800) 982-2787 or stop by the Cobb Energy Centre box office, located at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway in Atlanta. To purchase tickets online, visit www.atlantaballet.com or www.ticketmaster.com.