Face Control

Some of you are probably aware of the raving club scene in Moscow. There are hundreds of clubs in Moscow that appeal to virtually any taste. However, the more trendy and popular ones tend to have stricter "face control". What is face control? It's basically the discretion of the club owners, staff and security to subjectively choose who will get in and who won't. It is a form of legalized/privatized prejudice. Often times such decisions are formed based on your race/ethnicity, nationality, sex, and perceived mannerisms. You can be dressed well and be shaking a wad of cash in the bouncers face, but that won't guarantee you entry.

Enter XIII aka Club 13. A posh nightclub situated in the center of Moscow. It is minutes away from the Kremlin walls, scores of embassies, other clubs, restaurants and shops. The immediate atmosphere feels safe. While 13 didn't appear to be as segregated as club Propaganda (no pun intended) one can still observe a handful of "key men" or bouncers dressed in black suits guarding the entrance.

It was a warm summer night and I possessed a VIP pass to 13. I had unlimited in-and-out privileges, access to the owner, free drinks and song requests. The place was filled with people migrating in droves from place to place. Each dance hall had its own unique look, music, and crowd. There was also the lewd yet obscure passion room. Its entire interior appeared red and had dozens of love seats and couches for people to sit on.

I began making my rounds by intermingling with the crowd. The girl/guy ratio on this particular night was probably 3:2. After some chit chat with some of the DJ's and getting to know a few new faces I decided it was time for a drink. After a few minutes of gulping down some shots I received my buzz. In a few moments there would be a charming girl waiting for me in one of the dance halls upstairs. Inside there was a dance cage that was constantly occupied by an alternating group of female dancers. At the far end of the room sat "Anya", which is the Russian form for Anna. She was an exquisite girl with dark wavy hair that descended her back. There was no resisting the urge to connect with her.

To be continued...