Chalnessa Eames

Contemporary Dance Artist, Whim W'Him
Former Soloist, Pacific Northwest Ballet

MPG is proud to honour the career and artistic accomplishments of one of our most recognizable Messengers, Chalnessa Eames, now retired from the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Bellingham, Washington, where she discovered her love of dance at the age of 5, Chalnessa later moved to Boca Raton, Florida to study at the newly established Harid Conservatory where she and the rest of her class were endowed, in a manner not unlike Dickens’ Great Expectations, with full scholarships from an anonymous donor. A short time later, she traveled to Winnipeg, Canada to study at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and would eventually join the company’s corps de ballet upon graduation. A short 5 years later, inspired by principal dancer Olivier Wevers who had also made the move from Winnipeg to Seattle, Chalnessa received a position with the Pacific Northwest Ballet where new challenges awaited her and where, after being away from the age of 14, she was finally able to be close to her family. After initially joining the corps de ballet in 2001 she was later promoted to soloist in 2007.

Although she received her formal education elsewhere, it was at PNB that Chalnessa truly matured as a dancer and created her unique stage persona that was most distinctly defined by the humour, charm and cheeky playfulness that captivated and delighted audiences for the 10 years she spent at the company. A list of favourite ballets in which she danced major roles includes: Rubies, Jardi Tancat, Serenade, Nine Sinatra Songs, In the Night, The Piano Dance and Roméo et Juliette.

Chalnessa, who is married to MPG/Mondetta co-founder & CEO Ash Modha, now performs in the dance company, Whim W'Him, founded by her long time friend and colleague Olivier Wevers.

Chalnessa has appeared in nearly every campaign since MPG's beginning, and continues to be an inspiration to the MPG team.

To continue with her career and her travels, looking good and keeping in shape is important. Chalnessa enjoys the versatility offered by MPG clothing, “I can stretch, keep warm and show clean lines. MPG has brought fashion into performance.

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