Due to popular demand another Orpheus New Year's Party took place at Jimmy's Restaurant.
(Des Plaines, IL - December 2007)

A Makris family moment
(Des Plaines, IL - December 2007)

Time for the fun to start and Dino provided the spark at the dance floor
(Des Plaines, IL - December 2007)

A father-son Tsamiko moment
(Des Plaines, IL - December 2007)

Can you tell that everybody is having lots of fun?
(Des Plaines, IL - December 2007)

Time for the conga line. 
(Des Plaines, IL - December 2007)

DJ Alex with Kiki
(Des Plaines, IL - December 2007)

Theodora having fun with a disco moment with Kiki. 
It was another successful and fun night!
(Des Plaines, IL - December 2007)

The Orpheus adult group at the conclusion of their presentation
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

The program started with New Year's carols from Asia Minor
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

The first youth group presented dances from Epiros, Thrace and Lefkada.  As you can see this year the guys outnumbered the girls.
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

The second group presented a suite of dances from the Greek islands
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

The kids from the second group presented each of the dances performed and prepared a cut board map of each of the islands
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

The girls wore the costume from the island of Corfu.
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

The last youth group presented a suite of dances from Epiros
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

The girls performing Tsamikos
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

The adult group finished the presentation with a suite of dances from Anatoliki Romilia.
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

Orpheus members and family in front of the Greek Christmas tree.
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

Orpheus members participated at the 7th Winter Wonderfest that took place at Navy Pier.
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

Performing the couple dance Mantilatos
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

Guys doing variations during the Tsamikos dance.
(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

Eleni, Alexander and Christina.
The huge indoor facility of over 170,000 sq feet provides a festive winter reprieve that features 750,000 sparkling lights, 25,000 holiday ornaments, hundred decorated trees, dozens of rides, games, music and live entertainment.

(Chicago, IL - December 2007)

Yannis Economou (center) with Professor Pietro Bortone (left) and a student. Yannis was a guest lecturer at Professor Pietro Bortone's class: "Introduction to Greece". He presented information on Greek folk dance tradition
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Professor Pietro Bortone with students of the class. Professor Pietro Bortone is the Director of Modern Greek Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

The Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society took part for the first time at the annual McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade.
Can you tell there was a lot of excitement in the air?
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Thousands of spectators lined up the parade route from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street, cheering a colossal contingent of gigantic helium balloons, high-stepping marching bands, majestic equestrian troupes, fabulous holiday floats, spectacular performance groups, national celebrities and local personalities.
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Before the start of the parade there was plenty of time to warm-up with a couple of Greek folk dances. 
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Boys will be boys
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Pictured with members of the Boliviamanta Dance Ensemble
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Peter, Christina, Dean, Eleni and Kiki
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

A few of the parents had the chance to dress up and join in the festivities
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Felicia and Eleni
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Pictured in front of the Hellenic Christmas tree during the Christmas Around the World reception
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Christina gets acquainted with R2-D2 and C-3PO
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Dance instructor Antonis Platis from Tuscan, Arizona visited us during the Veteran's week end.
Antonis demonstrated dances from the islands of Myconos, Chios and the region of Thrace.
Stefanie had the honor of wearing a traditional costume from the island of Myconos.
(Glenview, IL - November 2007)

Antonis wearing a traditional costume from the island of Chios dancing Pyrgousikos with Stefanie under the accompaniment of Izaki's violin
(Glenview, IL - November 2007)

Antonis and Sotiris in traditional attire
(Glenview, IL - November 2007)

Sunday's session took place at Yanni's house where we had a chance to review the dances shown during the week end sessions.
(Glenview, IL - November 2007)

Help Hellas was created to help raise funds for the relief efforts the devastating fires this summer caused in Greece. All proceeds from the gala will be sent directly to continue the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) efforts in helping those affected by this national tragedy.
Pictured with IOCC Development Officer Dan Christopulos and his wife Patty Christopulos
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

A visit to the Field Museum of Natural History would not be complete without admiring some of its exhibits
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

At the lobby of the museum next to the 'big elephant'.
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

Kostas , Paul and Joanne enjoying the night's festivities during the gala event.
(Chicago, IL - November 2007)

A special anniversary dinner celebration took place honoring Fr. John Rallis, the pastor of St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. 
Members of the Orpheus dance group pose for a picture after the performance.
(Lake Zurich, IL - October 2007)

Say Cheese!
Connie, Christina, and Elena were happy to oblige.
(Lake Zurich, IL - October 2007)

Members of the Orpheus dance group had a chance to participate at the Columbus Parade that took place in downtown Chicago
(Chicago, IL - October 2007)

Marching down Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe
(Chicago, IL - October 2007)

The new Frank Kamberos Oral History Center was unveiled to the public at a reception held at the Hellenic Museum. The new state-of-the-art Oral History Module is a digital audio and video playback center where people can see/listen to oral histories of Greek Americans.  Orpheus has been an active participant of the Oral History program by contacting several interviews.  Kostas Economou by the Oral History display wall.

(Chicago, IL - October 2007)

Pictured with Stephanie Vhalakis, chairperson of the Oral History program.
For more information about the Oral History program visit the Hellenic Museum web site.
(Chicago, IL - October 2007)

A new year has started for the Orpheus Youth group and everybody was excited to see new and familiar faces.  The Northbrook branch kids pose for a picture.
(Northbrook, IL - September 2007)

The Glenview branch youth members pose for a picture.
Let's all have another great year!
(Glenview, IL - September 2007)

Orpheus youth members Andriana, Constantina and Georgina getting ready for one of the performances
(Deerfield, IL - September 2007)

Vasiliki, Dimitris and Demetra during a Pyrgousikos dance moment.
(Deerfield, IL - September 2007)

Adult members joined the youth members in the presentation
(Deerfield, IL - September 2007)

A suite of dances from Thrace from the adult members concluded the dance presentations that took place on Saturday and Sunday.
(Deerfield, IL - September 2007)

The Orpheus booth made its presence during the Greek Town Festival
(Chicago, IL - August 2007)

After some ferocious storms during the middle part of the week, the weather for the Greek Town Festival proved to be one of the best ever.  
(Chicago, IL - August 2007)

Getting ready for the performance on Sunday.
(Chicago, IL - August 2007)

Seconds before the start of the performance.
(Chicago, IL - August 2007)

The energy from the crowd fed into the youngsters who were having fun singing strolling down Finikounda.  It was a feeling that was hard to describe and it was one of those 'you had to be there' moments.
(Finikounda, Greece - July 2007)

Walking towards the village of Mavromati square next to Ancient Messini where the second performance took place.
(Ancient Messini, Greece - July 2007)

The last performance took place at the renown Kasto Amphitheatre in Kalamata

(Kastro-Kalamata, Greece - July 2007)

Orpheus President Yannis Economou and Youth Group Coordinator Bessie Grosso were invited to City Hall to meet with the Mayor of Kalamata, Mr. Panayiotis Nikas and Deputy Mayor Mr. Theofanis Kleidonas. Also present was ex-Vice President of S.A.E of North and South America, Mr. Christos Tomaras.
(Kalamata, Greece - July 2007)

Congratulations to Izaki for coming first during the 5th Midwest Fiddle Competition sponsored by the Old Town School of Folk Music.  Izaki playing Sousta from the island of Rhodes.
(Chicago, IL - July 2007)

Izaki surrounded by his fun club.  The event took place at Wells park during the 10th Chicago Folk & Roots festival
(Chicago, IL - July 2007)

Orpheus members performed a series of dances during the Passport to the World events.  Passport to the World showcases the arts and traditions of Chicago’s Chinese, Irish, Nigerian, Native American, Greek, Puerto Rican, Persian, Mexican, Indian, Polish, and Korean communities
(Chicago, IL - July 2007)

The Orpheus dance group has collaborated with the Chicago Children's Museum in numerous occasions in the past.
(Chicago, IL - July 2007)

Performing Koulouriastos from the region of Thrace
(Chicago, IL - July 2007)

At the conclusion of the event members of the audience joined the dance line for a quick Greek dance lesson.  Members of a Puerto Rico dance group joined also the dance line.
(Chicago, IL - July 2007)

Members of Orpheus joined members of Saints Peter & Paul Church in the annual 4th of July parade in Glenview
(Glenview, IL - July 2007)

It was a fun day not only for humans but also for many four leg participants
(Glenview, IL - July 2007)

Getting ready for the start of the parade
(Glenview, IL - July 2007)

Kristjan and Alexandros
(Glenview, IL - July 2007)

For one more year the beginning of Summer was commemorated by a gathering at the Jimmy's Restaurant hosted by the Stergios family.
(Des Plaines, IL - June 2007)

Not to be outdone the parents followed along.
(Des Plaines, IL - June 2007)

Then it was time to burn some calories with some non-stop dancing
(Des Plaines, IL - June 2007)

The boys trying to demonstrate their skills
(Des Plaines, IL - June 2007)

The Orpheus Youth group performed a variety of Greek folk dances and songs at the Saint George Church festival in Chicago
(Chicago, IL - June 2007)

The program started with the rendition of the song  'Xenitemeno Mou Pouli' by Katerina, Andriana, Stavroula and Mariel
(Chicago, IL - June 2007)

Performing 'Pyrgousikos' from the island of Chios
(Chicago, IL - June 2007)

Performing 'Zonaradikos' from the region of Thrace
(Chicago, IL - June 2007)

Orpheus celebrated its 18th anniversary.
The Orpheus Hellenic Folklore society was established on May 1989.
(Northbrook, IL - May 2007)

Hhmmm, I can have Dean and eat the cake too!
(Northbrook, IL - May 2007)

Orpheus presented a suite of dances from the Greek islands during the Skokie Festival of Cultures.  Orpheus has participated at the festival for the last 16 years.
(Skokie, IL - May 2007)

Taking a bow at the end of the performance
(Skokie, IL - May 2007)

Group picture before the start of the performance
(Skokie, IL - May 2007)

Relaxing and enjoying the festivities at the festival during a beautiful and sunny day.
(Skokie, IL - May 2007)

Choral director Eftihia Papageorgiou (center) with Sophia, Marianna, Felicia and Bessie
(Chicago, IL - May 2007)

The Junior choir made its debut at the recital
(Chicago, IL - May 2007)

Sophia, Joanna, Felicia, Effie and Kostas backstage
(Chicago, IL - May 2007)

Christos and Zacharias after the event
(Chicago, IL - May 2007)

The Orpheus dance group shared the rich history and traditions of Greek folk dances during a presentation at the Warren Newport Library during April 2007 - National Library Month, "Greece and Egypt - Past and Present".
(Gurnee, IL - April 2007)

At the conclusion of the presentation an eager audience joined the Orpheus members for a Greek folk dance lesson.
(Gurnee, IL - April 2007)

Orpheus members joined by audience members.
(Gurnee, IL - April 2007)

Audience members not only showcased their dancing skills but also expressed their great interest in learning more about the history and traditions of Greece in a Q&A session after the presentation.
(Gurnee, IL - April 2007)

Pictured with the Consul General Mrs. Aliki Hatzi
(Chicago, IL - March 2007)

Orpheus members performing Koulouriastos
(Chicago, IL - March 2007)

Zagorisios moment
(Chicago, IL - March 2007)

Dancing Pousnitsa from Macedonia
(Chicago, IL - March 2007)

Are we pumped up for the parade?
Oh yeah!
(Chicago, IL - March 2007)

We might as well practice some dances too.
(Chicago, IL - March 2007)

On top of the Pan-Hellenic Scholarship Foundation float.
(Chicago, IL - March 2007)

Big sister, little sister moment.
(Chicago, IL - March 2007)

The Orpheus dance group in cooperation with the Hellenic Link organized an event celebrating the Greek Independence Day with songs and dances from that era.
(Des Plaines, IL - March 2007)

Girls during a Zagorisio moment.
(Des Plaines, IL - March 2007)

Katerina, Jamie, Peter and Adam had the honor of carrying the flags and lavara during the opening festivities of the event
(Des Plaines, IL - March 2007)

Guest dancer Iordanis is in the house and joined us during the presentation.
(Des Plaines, IL - March 2007)

Jim Stoynoff and members of the Orpheus music ensemble entertain the audience with music and songs from Greece during the Friday night festivities.
(Chicago, IL - March 2007)

Bessie, Sandy, Christina and Kiki
(Chicago, IL - March 2007)

Members of Group I of the Orpheus Youth group
(Wheeling, IL - March 2007)

After the presentation residents of the facility had a chance to join the dance line
(Wheeling, IL - March 2007)

More dancing with residents and members of the Orpheus Youth group.
(Wheeling, IL - March 2007)

Elpida, Demi, Mariell and Stavroula with Henking School principal Neal Siegellak and Hoffman School principal Mark Walther
 (Glenview, IL - January 2007)

... receive a stamp at the designated International Day booklet
(Glenview, IL - January 2007)