An unforgettable Franco-German swing evening in Heidelberg
On Friday, October 17, 2025, Heidelberg vibrated to the rhythm of swing as part of the French Week dance party. The festive event was held at the Marstallcafé, an emblematic venue located right in the city center, a stone’s throw from the university canteen, at the heart of student life.
An event at the heart of Heidelberg-Montpellier twinning
The evening was organized by the Maison de Montpellier in Heidelberg, Montpellier’s cultural embassy in Germany. The event was part of the dynamic twinning between the cities of Heidelberg and Montpellier, illustrating once again the richness of Franco-German cultural exchanges.
With nearly a hundred participants expected, the event attracted a mix of students, jazz enthusiasts, dancers and the curious, who came to discover or rediscover swing culture in a friendly, international atmosphere.
Introduction to swing culture and dance workshops
The evening began with an introduction to swing culture, giving the audience a better understanding of the history, codes and spirit of this music and dance that originated in the USA in the 1930s.
Lindy Hop workshops Before the concert :
– intermediate and advanced levels, led by Rémy Kouakou Kouamé, a leading figure in international swing and artistic director of the Montpellier festival, accompanied by Leticia Martin, a Lindy Hop dancer since 2011, whose style is inspired by the richness and diversity of jazz dance.
– Beginners were also introduced to the music thanks to the involvement of teachers from the Swingstep Heidelberg school, run by Ali Taghavi, a major player on the local swing scene, who was able to mobilize a large German audience around the event.
Live concert: Carolina Reapers Swing
The highlight of the evening was the Carolina Reapers Swing concert, which literally set the dance floor ablaze. With irresistible swing, boundless energy and a healthy dose of madness, the band won over the audience from the very first notes. Carried by a resolutely swinging rhythm section and a team of talented, creative soloists, Carolina Reapers Swing offered a vibrant concert, punctuated by hypnotic riffs, bold solos and charming vocals. Each piece, full of spontaneity and finesse, made you want to dance to the very last note.
An exceptional show and a wild end to the evening
The icing on the cake was an exceptional show featuring French and German artists: Rémy Kouakou Kouamé & Leticia Martin (Swinging Montpellier) and Laura Stahl & Ali Taghavi (Swingstep Heidelberg).
A powerful moment, symbolizing the artistic dialogue and friendship between the two twinned towns.
The evening continued with a DJ set by Laura Stahl, who kept the party going until midnight, much to the delight of the dancers.
This event was made possible thanks to the support of the Fonds Civique Franco-Allemand and the Office Franco-Allemand pour la Jeunesse (OFAJ), essential partners in the development of cultural and artistic exchanges between France and Germany.
Photo credits: Karla Jauregui and Yohan Planeix