DEPTFORD, NJ –
The Hellenic Heritage Dance Group of Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill, NJ, held its 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance on November 16 at Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford, NJ.
The event featured a special presentation of Greek folk dances under the direction of world-renowned musician/instructor Vaggelis Dimoudis, and Hellenic Heritage Dance instructor Margarita Zografos Vrettos.
Guests also enjoyed live music by the popular band Neo Kyma.
Kathy Zografos, daughter of Hellenic Heritage Dance Group founder Klio Kokolis, shared the following tribute to her late mother: “With her love for Greek for dancing, she had the dream of beginning a dance group in church to cultivate, perpetuate, and preserve her proud Greek heritage and culture. In 1974, Klio’s dream came true once she established the Hellenic Heritage Dance group at the suggestion of Mrs. Katy Stathos and the support of Fr. Steven Vlahos. Klio dedicated her life to teaching authentic Greek folk dances to the St. Thomas youth, starting with 20 young members [and eventually teaching] over 800 students. For almost five decades, she dedicated her time and knowledge so the future generations can have an opportunity to experience the Greek culture through… authentic dances from different regions of Greece. May her memory be eternal.”
Klio Kokolis (1946-2024), a native of Kefalonia, immigrated to the United States with her husband Spiros in 1965. She immediately immersed herself in the Greek community of Saint Thomas which included bringing her children to church, Greek school, Sunday school, altar, and choir. She served the church in many capacities throughout her life. She was President of the Greek School PTO, a lifelong member of Philoptochos and a choir member.
She was a former Greek School dance instructor and eventually became the director and instructor of the Hellenic Heritage Dance Group. Her love and passion for dance actually began in elementary school, where she first performed Tsamikos, wearing a Tsolia costume.
