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Dirty Dancing!

Sun, 2000-01-16 22:00 — admin
Issue Number: 
222
Author: 
Eric Trachtenberg</P></b><P>Located way out in the tundraland of Leninsky Prospect, Lvinoe Sertse, or, "Lion Heart" is definitely on the unusual side.</P><P>ItÒs probably the only King Arthur type club in the Russian capital, with numerous suits of armor, heraldic shields, old English lettering and a lot of big (and real) wooden tables. This club has a comfortable feel to it although there was a weird juxtaposition of plate armor standing guard over a huge pile of stuffed toy animals. </P><P>Most of what looked like a middle class, youngish crowd were getting down and dirty in the disco. The bar was not so conveniently located in the next room but it was long and well-stocked. This is a place to go to when you donÒt want to wear jeans and t-shirts, and you donÒt mind bumping into harmless well-dressed Mafia-types and prostitutes trolling the bar. </P><P>Unlike most places, the male to female ratio seemed to be on par for a change and most female guests seemed to be hanging out with their mostly male friends. Not the best place to meet women. </P><P>But even if the decor was unusual, the music certainly wasnÒt. The dance floor was surrounded by tables and full of exhibitionists and other dance enthusiasts who were really enjoying the DJÒd Western and Russian pop. Cocktails were moderately priced at 64 - 148 rubles each) and the club had a large and expensive wine list for those who really want to get into the knight in shining armor scene. The garderobs worked well. The club has Karaoke which they said was often booked by private parties and billiards (43 rubles a game).</P><B><P>Lvinoe Sertse <BR></B>Leninsky Prospect 88<BR>Metro: Leninsky Prospect<BR>Tel.: 298-6247 (after 11 p.m.)<BR>Open: 12.00-0500 T-Su<BR>Cover: none, face control does not admit the casual</P><P> </P><br clear=all><b><P>Chance
Published: 
2000-01-17
Source: 
The Russia Journal


Lvinoe Sertse
By Dmitry MOZHEITOV

GermanyÒs Stern magazine called Chance one of RussiaÒs best clubs. Since it opened in the early 90Òs as MoscowÒs first openly gay club, Chance continues to be one of MoscowÒs oldest, and these days, most mainstream gay and bisexual clubs which openly welcomes clients of all sexual orientations. With three dance floors, it is also one of the largest.

From the outside it looks straightforward, but inside, itÒs one of MoscowÒs most original and sophisticated gay clubs, especially its entertainment side.

Leather donned flying trapeze artists whiz through the air. Clients give each other spontaneous love notes written on the spot. And last year the club sponsored a cultural evening that featured many Russian gay rights activists, including well known writers, poets and musicians.

And as far as shows go, itÒs remarkable beautifully lit, indoor water tank has some of the most original gay erotica in the city that borderlines performance art. Stunningly choreographed erotic underwater ballet performances continue through the entire night.

But while their entertainment seems to come from the 90Òs, not so for the music, which is dominated by old Alla Pugachova records, relics from the 70Òs, 80Òs, and some from the 90Òs. While this Russian diva is popular among RussiaÒs gays, and great for singalongs, music is not one of the clubÒs highlights.


CHANCE
11/15 Volochayevskaya Ul. (in DK Serp I Molot, the left wing)
Metro: Ploshchad Ilyicha
Tel: 298-6247 (after 11 p.m.)
Open: Daily from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Cover: Up to max.140 rubles for men and 160 rubles for women

à

KAZARMA (BARRACKS)
14 Presnensky Val
Metro: Ulitsa 1905
Tel: 253-6343
Open: Daily 10 p.m. until 8 a.m.
Women allowed on Tuesdays.
Cover: Around 100 rubles

As long as youÒre in the Chameleon you can check out another on-site club within a club.

It sounds like something for military men, but in fact Kazarma, or "Barracks", located in the larger Chameleon club, is a mixed bag of erotic tricks. One of the cityÒs nicer gay clubs, albeit with some seedier bits, the club is now equally as popular as its parent Chameleon, although itÒs a lot more on the seedy side.

For those not interested in clubbing, mini tv sets at the bar have an ongoing display of male erotica. Then thereÒs the continual male striptease for those eternally bored. There are dark chill out corners with various sofas, walls with spy holes, and well, you can guess the rest. Not for the faint -hearted, or those looking to just relax and boogie.

à

CHAMELEON
14 Presnensky Val
Metro: Ulitsa 1905
Tel: 253-6343
Open: Daily from 8 p.m. until 10 a.m.
Cover: Within 100 rubles

They call it a, "pure club" for, "pure youth," and since it opened two years ago, its crowds remain extremely young and decidedly uninhibited. One of the most openly sexual of the gay clubÒs with a sex shop in the entrance, the sense of, "Wild East" hangs over all of the Chameleon turning it into an open venue for MoscowÒs raging gay sexual revolution.

If youÒre not put off by the sign warning against pickpocketers, you can lose yourself in a darkened, "Maze of Lust" containing partitions, hurdles, and groping hands.

Chameleon has two dance featuring Russian pop and house music respectively, the latter which sports a stage for professional, semi-clad dancers. Take time to check out the plush restaurant.

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