The Night Train is a collective swing event in Cologne that celebrates African American jazz dance forms. The Night Train XL is an extraordinary edition that brings various international talents: musicians, dancers, sharing and enriching the swing scene together. Collaboration, Celebration and a sense of Community are at the heart of our event, as we believe in growing together as one.
Band – Jake Walker (BE)
Founded in 2016 by pianist Wouter Van den Broeck and saxophonist Alec Lagrange, Jake Walker emerged from Ghent’s vibrant jazz scene with a passion for traditional swing. A turning point came after a conversation with dancer Sep Vermeersch, which led Wouter to focus on tighter arrangements that better showcased the musicians’ strengths and energized the dance floor.
The band gradually shifted toward swing-era repertoire, blending the elegance of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman with small band interpretations of artists like John Kirby, Rex Stewart and Johnny Hodges. Now touring internationally, Jake Walker is known for its high-energy performances, rich arrangements and musical versatility, while staying deeply connected to its Ghent roots. https://www.jakewalker.be
- Cedric De Lat – trumpet
- Werend Van den Bossche – alto saxophone/ clarinet
- Warre Van de Putte – tenor saxophone
- Timothé le Maire – trombone
- Wouter Van den Broeck – piano/ arrangements
- Pieter Mortier – bass
- Simon Raman – drums
Teachers
- Marie N’diaye (FR) – (Lindy Hop, Cultural Talk)
- Felix Berghäll (SE) – (Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz)
Dr. Marie N’diaye is a jazz dance choreographer, performer, educator and researcher specializing in African American Jazz Dance, including Lindy Hop and the legacy of Savoy Ballroom and chorus line traditions from venues like the Apollo Theater and Cotton Club. Her embodied, practice-based research combines archival film study with collaborations with elders and established dancers. She is the founder of Collective Voices for Change, a non-profit promoting cultural appreciation and respect for African American Jazz Dances and serves on the board of the Black Lindy Hoppers Fund, supporting Black artists in the jazz dance community. Marie holds a Master’s in Dance Anthropology & Ethnochoreology from the ERASMUS “Choreomundus” program focused on safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage. www.mariendiaye.com
Felix Berghäll is an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, educator and DJ, deeply rooted in Lindy Hop and African American Vernacular Jazz. He has performed and created work for major venues like the Apollo Theater (NY), Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao) and Friends Arena (Stockholm) and has competed internationally with the Swedish national team in Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie. Felix has taught at over 60 festivals worldwide and created shows such as Swingin’ at the Savoy and Rhythm Korea Show. His work is characterized by a strong connection to the origins and cultural context of the music and dance. He is also Co-Head Coach of the Swedish National Lindy Hop team, a lecturer on jazz history and co-founder of Collective Voices For Change (CVFC), and had a long-standing leadership role at Herräng Dance Camp. https://www.felixberghall.com
DJs
- Aaron (DE)
- Hot Soup (DE)
Aaron
A social dancer and DJ at top events across Europe such as Herräng, The Snowball, Jazz Roots and Sofia Swing, Aaron knows just when to amp up the energy and when to create those intimate, groovy moments. With the motto “make it easier for the dancers to have fun and keep them dancing!
Hot Soup
Dancer, DJ and party maker, Hot Soup/Randy knows what gets people moving. His soulful sets blend swing and various jazz styles. From festivals like Herräng and Dragon Swing to The Night Train in Cologne, which he founded, Hot Soup brings people together through music and dance.
Schedule
The Night Train XL Party – Early Departure
After careful consideration, we’ve made the tough decision to start the party earlier this time. Due to new local noise restrictions at our partner & venue and limited options in Cologne in November, led us here. We really wanted to keep our usual late hours, but this felt like the best way to keep this event going on. Same spot, same cozy vibe, same great energy, just earlier. Plus, it might be easier for guests from nearby cities to get home. We hope to find a better solution next year! Thanks for understanding, we appreciate your support and can’t wait to see you. (And don’t worry, the sunset will be around 16:55, so it is still the Night Train)
Workshop Description
Lindy Hop Intermediate (3h)- Marie & Felix
You’ve been dancing Lindy Hop more than 6 months, attending social dances. You know essential moves and easily mix them (tuck turn, pass by, swing out, circle, send out).
Lindy Hop Advanced (3h) – Marie & Felix
You’ve been dancing Lindy Hop for a while, attending social dances and workshops regularly. You know essential moves and easily mix them within various tempos (tuck turn, pass by, swing out, circle, send out) and concepts like lead/follow, rhythm and styling.
Solo Jazz (1,5h) – Felix
Time to reconnect with the roots of authentic jazz, making your exploration more meaningful, authentic and playful. This workshop welcomes both beginners and experienced dancers, offering depth to enrich any level of experience.
Registration
We’ve kept the event as affordable as possible. You can grab an early bird ticket (limited availability), or if you’d like to support the event and help make it more sustainable, there’s an option to contribute. We really appreciate your support!
SOLD OUT
- 🎟️ Lindy Hop Track with Marie & Felix (3h),Cultural Talk, Party:
Regular/Supporter €80Early Bird €75
- 🎟️ Solo Jazz Track with Felix (1,5h), Cultural Talk, Party:
Regular/Supporter €50Early Bird €45
- 🎟️ Add on: Solo Jazz Track with Felix (1,5h):
Regular €25
- 🎟️ Party Pass (+ Cultural Talk):
Regular/Supporter €22Early Bird €20
*Newsletter subscribers for more updates
Location
- Workshops & Party: Tanzraum Zentrum, Salierring 33, 50677 Köln
*Please read our code of conduct so we can create together a safer space for everyone during our events. Feel free to reach us if you have any question.
This event is organized by Groove Station Collective, in collaboration with Tanzraum.
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The Night Train XL
Groove Station Collective - Lindy Hop, Swing Dance Classes & Parties in Cologne 