Inside The X Club: 20 Questions With the Owners
Monde Osé is proud to work in partnership with The X Club to bring The Burlesque Ball to Toronto in 2016!
We got personal with the owners of The X Club, Hanna and Sean Glam.
Hanna and Sean aren’t your ordinary couple – they’re the powerhouse of passion and energy driving The X Club, Canada’s largest, hottest & most elegant lifestyle nightclub, bar and lounge.
The X Club is the place to be if you and your partner are uninhibited, curious and daring. The choice is yours: dance the night away, fill your senses with the beauty of the people around you, or just sit in one of the lavish seating areas and watch the exciting progression of The X Club’s sexual energy.
We played a little game of 20 Questions with this dynamic duo. Check it out below.
What’s the story behind The X Club?
Not too surprisingly, my husband and I were already members of The X Club and part of the Lifestyle community long before becoming the owners. We became friends with the previous ownership group and discussed the amazing potential for The X Club. They approached us in 2013 about taking over the club full-time.
What was your first challenge when taking ownership of The X Club?
Reassuring our existing members that we wanted to build and evolve The X Club, NOT to change what made it great. Sean and I used to own other mainstream nightclubs, and some people were concerned that X was about to convert into another “cookie cutter club”. Obviously, that isn’t from the case!
What can you expect to experience when you walk into The X Club?
You can expect over 10,000 square feet of sexy, elegant, adult fun! Upon entering you are greeted by a host and then step into the main club section, just like a standard nightclub with bar, dance floor and booths, plus has a “No Sex” rule. We do this so newcomers have a place to feel comfortable and progress at their own speed. The real fun starts once you leave this general section as there are several private and group “play” rooms… each one is clean, hygienic and nicely decorated. There is also a locker room and group shower area for when the evening is done.
Do you get media attention or is The X Club more hush-hush?
Yes. Actually, among other places, The X Club has been featured on HBO’s Mini-Series “Skin to the Max” and Playboy Radio’s “Swing” with Holli & Michael.
Do you think there are a lot of preconceptions behind the term “swinger”?
Definitely. As though exploring your sexuality is something to be ashamed about or should only be discussed behind closed doors. We actually created a free ebook called “Welcome to the Lifestyle” to address common questions and help new couples find their comfort zone, and avoid misconceptions.
What does the “Xperience” mean?
It means we feel responsible for delivering a unique, evolving and seductive experience to you every time we open our doors. The themes, attire and prizes change every week. We book headlining DJs and entertainers, and actively promote the club to the mainstream public. Lots of new couples who come to X Club end up becoming members.
What kind of unique touch do you give The X Club?
We totally understand that going to a swingers club for the first time can be kind of nerve-wracking. Each month we hold a free Meet & Greet for new couples. It’s a zero pressure environment that lets you explore the club and meet with us to answer any questions.
What are 3 words that describe the club?
Classy, sexy, and safe.
What do you mean by “safe”?
People must feel safe, secure and happy when they go to a club like X. We’ve heard stories about people going to other swinger clubs and feeling uncomfortable with all the single guys swimming around. Our members are primarily couples and single females, who we call unicorns. Only select single males are admitted, and only on Friday. Plus, if a single male bothers another member… we have a 1 strike and you’re out policy.
The club is also extremely safe in a hygienic sense. We have an entire team dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of cleanliness.
What kind of competition does X Club have with other clubs?
There are a few different Lifestyle clubs in Toronto, each catering to a slightly different crowd. Some of our good friends are also owners of these competing clubs. We mutually respect each other – we’re part of the same community. The competition means more people are becoming aware and the industry is growing. Plus, it keeps us focused on what’s important – our members.
Can you tell us a little about your members?
We have just over 15,000 members right now, from their early twenties to about fifty years of age, from various backgrounds. All of our members respectable, professional and like to have a good time. Ultimately, our people are sex positive. Everyone is there to connect and support each other.
How can potential new members find out more about The X Club?
The monthly Meet & Greet is the best time for new couples to learn about the club. This night is free and we do a casual wine and cheese, then offer a private tour of X without having to purchase a membership. Everyone is there for the first time, has butterflies and can relate. It’s the best way to get your feet wet.
How is your experience of owning The X Club different than owning a regular club?
The X Club is about the members, not the owners. I love mainstream clubs, but they rarely create that deeper connection with their guests. At The X Club, we’re part of a larger community, like an extended family. Nervous new couples tell me they felt an instant sense of relief once they walked in. We’ve met outstanding people, many now some of our closest friends. No matter what you’re into your age or whatever you are, there’s no judgment and that’s what I love about it. It’s our home away from home.
Do you have a lot of regulars?
We couldn’t do what we do without the incredible support of our regulars. They believe in our mission and still come to The X Club every weekend. Our 6 “host couples” passionately volunteer their time to help us create the X vision. At The Everything To Do With Sex Show 2015 in Toronto, five host couples took turns helping us at our booth – we could not have made it through the weekend without them.
Do you get feedback from your members?
We get tons of feedback, and always ask our members about their experiences and what they’d like to see at the club. Our members feel connected to what’s happening. One of the main reasons behind the Monde Osé Burlesque Ball in March is due to feedback and compliments from our membership.
How has being part of the lifestyle changed you?
People don’t even believe me when I say this, but before getting into the Lifestyle I was extremely shy and insecure. It’s made me a stronger, more confident woman and deepened the relationship and bond with my husband. As a result, I now love sharing my experience with others so they can benefit and hopefully find their own internal strength and comfort zone.
How do you want to help people at The X Club?
Ultimately we want to educate and spread awareness. And at the same time give our members a safe, sexy setting to explore their sexuality and desires.
What’s something important that you learned about sexuality?
Once you learn to be open about you’re sexuality… I mean really open and comfortable, you can be open to your partner about anything. Your relationship gets stronger, respect deepens and passion ignites.
Why did you decide to partner up with Monde Osé?
We have the same vision: classy, sexy and erotic and everything done in such a tasteful manner! Monde Osé is a great fit for what we’re creating. We’ve wanted to do a burlesque show for a while now, but Monde Osé lets us do it RIGHT!
How do you feel about the upcoming Burlesque Ball?
I’m really pumped up about this event! It’s going to be incredible and we can’t wait to see a Monde Osé production at The X Club!
Where can people go to find out more about The X Club?
Visit our website and check us out on Facebook!
Join the members of The X Club and Monde Osé on March 5, 2016 for the Burlesque Ball!
Get your tickets here for the Monde Osé Burlesque Ball:
Toronto – The X Club
March 5th, 2016
Montreal – The Rialto
March 19
(PRESALE tickets: $45 until Dec. 11, 2015)
Quebec – Le Théâtre Petit-Champlain
April 9
(PRESALE tickets: $25 until Feb. 25 2016)
3-SHOW Passes also available for $120
Includes Toronto, Montreal & Quebec shows
Click here for more info about the Monde Osé Burlesque Ball.
