Meet the Zouk family

Since opening in 1991, Zouk has seen hundreds of thousands of clubbers go through its doors.

Some have been there so regularly that they have come to know the staff on more than just nodding terms.

In her 20 years at the iconic club Ms Elsie K. has made some long-lasting friendships with the frequent guests.

Ms Elsie, 43, is the night spot's cashier and supervisor.

Many clubbers are so familiar with her that they stay in touch long after hanging up their glow sticks and dancing shoes. In fact, Ms Elsie now finds herself keeping an eye on their children when they party at Zouk.

To them, she is "Auntie Elsie".

She says with a laugh: "I'll ask 'Do your parents know you're here? No? Then I'll call them.'"

Ms Elsie is among Zouk's family of long-serving staff members.

While clubbers come to see the big-name DJs, a club survives on more than star-power alone.

It is the backroom staff that keep the dance behemoth going.

Like Ms Elsie, security supervisor Vickie Lee, technical manager for audiovisual and lighting Rexx Lim and assistant outlet supervisor Diana Chong, have all worked at Zouk for over a decade.

When Zouk relocated from Jiak Kim Street to Clarke Quay, these employees made the move too.

For them, Zouk has become their second home and their colleagues, their second family.

The culture at the club has always been about togetherness. From getting supper together to dinner dances and even birthday parties held for the owner's daughter.

One of the advantages of being in a world-renowned club is getting to see and hear the greatest DJs known to dance music.

While the tales of excess behind the DJ booth are many, sometimes, the DJs who really stood out were the ones who were nicest.

For Mr Lim, 41, his all-time favourite was Dutch trance maestro Armin van Buuren.

"He was so professional and easy to work with. An extremely friendly guy."

Of course, being one of the key personnel at such a popular club also brings about the usual question.

Ms Chong, 40, has been at the club for 20 years.

"People say 'Oh, you work at Zouk... Can I get in for free?"

Ms Chong's usual reply? "Nooooo."

Ms Lee, 52, has become something of a minor celebrity in her own right. As a security supervisor, she has literally bled for the club including once in 2005 when she was struck on the head by drunk party goers.

In the past, she has cited having to carry six drunk girls out of the club in one night as one of her biggest challenges.

But having a close-knit staff has its advantages.

"We get to share problems with each other, we're like siblings," she says.

"We have even been on holiday together."

Mr Lim says he sees himself working at Zouk for at least 10 more years and is excited to be part of its new chapter at Clarke Quay.

"Every night, we see the spirit and love of Zouk... the culture that has been supported by generations of clubbers remains the same."