It seems almost incomprehensible now, but there was a time in human history, not so long ago, where people enjoyed dancing with a hundred other sweaty strangers in a confined space to unbearably loud music.
This was referred to as clubbing.
Though it’s a rather popular activity, no one’s clubbing at the moment.
Why?
Well, because of Covid-19, of course.
Large groups of people packed like sardines in an enclosed space is a dream for the coronavirus, as it can easily spread from one sweaty dancer to the next.
Now that it has been taken away, however, clubs have to come up with new sources of revenue.
Zouk Dance Floor Will be Converted into Fitness Studio in the Day & Cinema at Night
Patrons of Zouk may not be able to dance away their troubles like they used to, but they can now shed extra pounds or even watch a movie.
According to The Straits Times, Zouk is transforming its dance floor into a spin studio by day and cinema by night, in a bid to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Zouk reportedly has formed a relationship with Absolute Cycle, a cycling studio, to hold classes on its dance floor so its space doesn’t go to waste while restrictions are in place.
“We have all this space, and the sound system, lighting and smoke machines make for the perfect setting,” Zouk CEO Andrew Li said.
Li said the club can house 50 bikes across two floors, and that classes will run seven days a week, starting Monday (12 Oct).
Not just that, Zouk is also awaiting final approval to screen films, with plans to offer themed movie nights four times a week.
Li said they would set up spaced-out tables of up to five and decorate the club to match the theme, which would change every month.
Forced to Adapt Due to Covid-19 Measures
As you know, nightclubs, karaoke joints, and bars without food licences have been closed for seven months now.
While you’re lamenting the loss of KTV and clubbing sessions with your friends, these owners are struggling to keep their business afloat.
They have to either adapt, or risk going under.
This is why Zouk also converted Capital, a lounge in their complex, into a dine-in eatery. In addition, they’ve been renting space to Lazada for live streaming.
Sure, Phase 3 might be coming soon, but these owners are still unsure if they’d be allowed to reopen.
I mean, can you imagine clubbing being allowed in the near future? It seems highly unlikely.
That’s why owners of these establishments have to prepare for the worst, and look for other sources of revenue until things return to normal.
“We have to keep thinking outside the box, because we don’t know how long this will last,” Li said.
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Fortunately, thanks to their ability to adapt, as well as wage subsidies, Zouk has managed to break even and retain staff.
Hopefully, residents won’t have to wait too long before returning to the dance floor.