REGISTRATION OPENS 14.02. 12:00 (for subscriber, link below), 18:00 (for public)

The Night Train is a collective swing event 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 and a sense of community are at the heart of our event, as we believe in growing together as one!

Shorty Juke (BE)
is a quartet from Belgium formed by four musicians that have been playing together for almost ten years. With a deep love for jazz and swing music, they've become a familiar presence within the Lindy Hop community, performing in festivals around the world. While they usually play in a larger band, Shorty Juke offers here a more intimate touch, still aiming to create a warm and energetic vibe to inspire dancers. They'll light up the dance floor and keep it buzzing!

• Mathieu Najean : saxophone
• Julien Gillain : piano
• Andrew Bolton : double bass, vocals
• Tom Lambrecht : drums

Teachers:

• Helena Kanini (HR) -  (Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz)
• Sep Vermeersch (BE) -  (Lindy Hop, Blues)
• Randy & tba (DE) - (Lindy Hop Total Beginner Track)

Helena Kanini Kiiru is a dancer and teacher from Zagreb, Croatia, with Kenyan roots that shaped her deep connection to rhythm. Starting with piano at age 7 and later exploring Hip Hop and Dancehall, she discovered African American Jazz and felt an instant connection. Based in Zagreb, she teaches Jazz internationally, blending inspiration from various styles into her unique and refreshing approach. For Helena, Jazz is a space for authentic self-expression and growth, transcending body, spirit, and music.

Sep Vermeersch is a passionate jazz, blues, and swing dancer, dedicated to honoring these African American art forms. As a teacher, he fosters personal growth, creativity, and historical appreciation. Sep is also a DJ, MC, and organizer of events like Upside Down and Big City Blues. With a rich mix of education, playful energy, and deep curiosity for jazz and humanity, Sep brings groove and inspiration to projects worldwide.

Timetable : (preliminary, might have minor change)

Saturday, 12 April 2025 

Workshop:

• 11:00-13:00 Lindy Hop Total Beginner Track (Randy & tba)
• 13:00-14:30 Lindy Hop Int-Adv (Sep & Kanini) 
• 14:30-14:45 Break
• 14:45-16:15 Lindy Hop Int-Adv (Sep & Kanini)
• 16:15-16:30 Break
• 16:30-18:00 Blues Open Level (Sep)

Party:

• 19:45 Open Door
• 20:00-21:00 Cultural Awareness (Sep)
• 21:00-21:30 DJ Hot Soup
• 21:30-23:30 SHORTY JUKE (LIVE), special show
• 23:30-02:00: DJ Sep x Hot Soup

Sunday, 13 April 2025

Solo Jazz 

• 13:00-15:00 Authentic Jazz 1 (Kanini)
• 15:00-15:45 Break
• 15:45-17:45 Authentic Jazz 2 (Kanini)

Class description/ Dance Level

Lindy Hop Intermediate & Advanced You’ve been dancing Lindy Hop more than six months, attending social dances and workshops regularly. You know essential moves and easily mix them (tuck turn, pass by, swing out, circle, send out) and concepts like lead/follow, rhythm and styling.

Blues Open Level You've started or would exploring blues music and dance, or you might have some experience with other partnered styles, ex: Lindy Hop. You've taken a few workshops or danced socially. Either you are new in Blues Dance or experienced dancers you are welcome.

Authentic Jazz Description 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. 

In this workshop Kanini will guide us through several principles:

• Strengthen your foundation
• Know your instrument
• Know the music
• Understand the context

We will explore Jazz Vocabulary and various movement challenges from the perspective of rhythm and intention. We will twist them up into new possibilities and we’ll set up foundation for an empowering improvisation.

Ticket Options:  (Registration opens 14 February. 18:00) , for Subscribers (12:00)

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!

Early Bird until 14.3. or depends on availability

• 🎟️ Full Pass Lindy Hop WS  (3h), Solo Jazz (4h), included, Party: 
  • Regular/Supporter €140     (SOLD OUT)
  • Early Bird €130   (SOULD OUT) 

• 🎟️ Authentic Jazz with Kanini (4h), Party:  
  • Regular/Supporter €85 (SOLD OUT)
  • Early Bird €80 (SOLD OUT)

• 🎟️ Lindy Hop Track with Sep & Kanini (3h), Party: 
  • Regular/Supporter €75 (SOLD OUT)
  • Early Bird €70 (SOLD OUT)

• 🎟️ Blues Track (1,5h), Party:
  • Regular €40 (SOLD OUT)

• 🎟️ Add-on (you can combine with other passes)
  • 1,5h Blues Open Level with Sep €20 (SOLD OUT)

• 🎟️ Lindy Hop Total Beginner Track (2h), without Party:
  • Regular €20

• 🎟️ Party Pass (early bird until 28.2., depends on the availability)
  • Regular/Supporter €22 (last spots)
  • Early Bird €20 (SOLD OUT)

Link to subscribe: https://mailchi.mp/2ac86dd01691/the-night-train-groove

*Please note that both early bird and regular tickets are limited, so we may not be able to offer door tickets.

For tickets and more details, check out our instagram @thenighttrain_groove or scan the QR code in the event photo! See you at Night Train! 🌙✨

Jammin’ the Blues, 1944. Dancers, Marie Bryant and Archie Savage (background)