Ralph Jacques

Cavalier

Ralph Jacques will be dancing the role of Cavalier. He was born in Chicago, Illinois where he studied with the Boitsov Ballet and performed with the Chicago City Ballet. While there he was chosen by Paris Opera ballerina Anna Paskevska to be the feature male dancer in the first edition of her book “From the First Plie to Mastery”. He has also been a member of Atlanta Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballet Rotaru, Ballet International, and most recently Ballet Memphis where he was a principal dancer. As a guest artist, Mr. Jacques has performed with many companies both nationally and internationally including with Beatles legend Paul McCartney. He toured Romania with Ballet Rotaru, and Taiwan with Ballet International. Today he teaches ballet in the Atlanta area and continues to travel and perform as a guest artist. Dalton Arts Project is pleased to have Mr. Jacques share his talents with our community this year.

Paige Manahan

Sugar Plum Fairy

Paige Manahan, our Sugar Plum Fairy, is the daughter of Eric and Kelly Manahan and has grew up in Dalton. She began dancing at the Dance Theatre of Dalton at the age of three with Ms. Jo Beth and continued as a company member under the direction of Berrien Long from 2015 to 2021.  Throughout the years, she performed various roles in "The Nutcracker," including Clara, the Marzipan soloist, Columbine, and the Snow Queen.  After graduating from Dalton High School, Paige became a trainee with Ballet Magnificat!, America’s premier Christian ballet company founded by Kathy Thibodeaux, located in Jackson, MS. With Ballet Magnificat!, she performed in "A Christmas Carol," "Deliver Us," and numerous outreach performances aimed at presenting the Gospel through ballet.  Additionally, Paige danced as a corps de ballet member with Renovate Ballet Company, founded by Michael and Olivia Viator in Augusta, GA, during its inaugural year. There, she was promoted to soloist and performed in original works, including "Make Room" and "Majesty."  Currently, Paige attends Dalton State College and works with Mrs. Long at the Dance Theatre of Dalton. She plans to further her studies in pre-healthcare professions at Auburn University in the Spring. Paige has enjoyed teaching, assisting, and continuing to dance at the Dance Theatre of Dalton. She is excited to perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy at the studio that first ignited her passion for ballet!