Quickly forming the Andreas Chianis Orchestra , Hollywood nightclubs such as the “ Greek Village ”, the legendary “ Torch Room ,” and the “ Athenian Gardens ” were regular performing venues - as well as award-winning films : “ Zorba the Greek ” with Anthony Quinn , “ The Postman Always Rings Twice ” with Jack Nicholson , “ Dream of Kings ,” and “ Go Naked Into the World ” with Ernest Borgnine .
Andreas Chianis passed away in November , 2016 , at the age of 92 . His talent , charm , skill and humble character is dearly missed already by his wife , Tonya , and the entire dance community . Below is her tribute :
A Poem for Andreas
“ I LOVE YOU - MY LOVE ” by Tonya Chianis , R . Sc . P .
A beautiful man came into my life , Bringing love and music , such pure delight . His Orchestra was booked at the Rhodos Cafe , He asked me to dance and promised he ’ d play .
His great clarinet touched my heart to the core . Feeling so fulfilled , yet still wanting more . For when I danced , he set me free . I was Everything , for all to see .
This perfect night was just the beginning , And soon , we were never apart . With so much in common , we knew in our hearts , We ’ d stay together , and never part .
We married and then my silver haired God , Was mine forever more . Protecting each other on our journey through life , Should we land on troubled shores .
I ’ ll never know why God blessed me so , With a man so deep and so kind . His patience was great , no matter my state , He loved me and gave me my time .
He allowed me to be , what I wanted to be , And do what I wanted to do . I gladly gave this same gift in return , Love lasted our whole lives through .
My WWII hero , whose life was spared , Continued to give in ways he could share . As America ’ s finest Greek Clarinetist He ’ d touch your soul , no one could resist .
His boot and shoe craft was known world wide , People begged for his skills , for he took great pride . He ’ d often laugh and say “ It ’ s Foretold : Bring Your Boots To Me And I ’ ll Save Your Soles ”.
To live in the mountains , was our greatest dream , With abundant wildlife , lakes and streams . Then it finally happened , our dream came true . We moved to the mountains and gained our due .
Bears came to see us , a Bob Cat our friend , Coyotes were regulars , right to the end . This kind of Joy , no one can buy . It was truly a gift , from God most high .
We ’ d sit on our porch and enjoy every moment , Both wishing we had more time . We knew that our lives would soon be over , Yet grateful we lived in the pines .
Well , on and on the story goes , But it ’ s time to say goodbye . You ’ re mine forever , and will always be , Through All Eternity .
“ I LOVE YOU , MY LOVE ”
January 2017 � The Belly Dance Chronicles 11