Exploring Toronto’s club-life: why thousands party, VIP treatment

TORONTO, Ont. – On any weekend in Toronto, party-goers are usually out at the city’s hotspots, especially in the club district.

680News music reporter Rudy Blair went past the velvet rope to take a closer look at why so many people take part in Toronto’s club-life.

In one night, 30,000 to 40,000 people will party in the club district, generating millions of dollars for the area.

“Dancing, definitely major, the atmosphere is fantastic,” one club-goer said when asked what she loved about clubbing.

Club owner Charles Khabouth said it’s about being a celebrity for an evening.

“If you remember ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ John Travolta and the boys that were working washing cars and flipping burgers would put a suit on and became stars when they got to the clubs, whether it was because of the way they danced or they looked,” Khabouth said.

Psychologist Dr. Sam Klarreich feels some people look at getting into a club as recognition.

“If they get into this building, they have their place in the spotlight for a period of time, and be that special, unique individual,” Dr. Klarreich said.

“You got your Monday to Friday life, it gets old after a while, so on the weekends, you just go out and you relax and blow out steam, and that’s what it’s all about,” 36-year-old club-goer Nick said.

Nick was nicknamed “GuvNick” by his friends because he’s partied at the Guvernment almost every weekend for the past 10 years.

For many club-goers, there’s nothing like being in the VIP section.

“Sometimes, it’s my night to be a star, it’s the music, the vibe, the people,” Nick said.

Khabouth said even though it might cost a lot, the VIP section is usually filled.

“Four or five couples will save up money for a month and when they get there, they’ll get there by limo, which they’ve all chipped in for. You get in before anybody else, you get a better table, people like that status,” he said.

Dr. Klarreich feels VIP is about living for the moment no matter what the cost.

“I’m not going to do what my parents did and save and save and save, and then what? I’m too tired. I want to enjoy myself today,” he said.

The members of the group Far East Movement, whose hit single “Like a G6” is all about clubbing, think it’s more about forgetting about everyday life.

And for 21-year-old waitress, Lauren, “I would definitely say it takes away from the anxiety of working, get a chance to relax, kick back a little bit, get our VIP treatment.”