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 Manhattan's finest nightclub brings together couples and singles eager to explore their sexier sides in a somewhat exhibitionistic manner. 'My parties are all about women and sexuality. I'm a girl who flirts and loves to have fun," she tells me.  Under the umbrella of OneLegUp are three separate events, each designed to further acquaint attendees with their own sensual appetites. These people are primarily young, urban professional couples who tend to be in a relationship.At the Eat In events, couples are encouraged to get sexy. Everyone must disrobe down to his or her undies at 12:30. Anything goes, from touching and kissing to light sexual play. Palagia tells me this is not the emphasis, however, which is what sets her events apart from the more strictly sex-centric swing parties. Also, "There are interesting performances; art plays a huge role in my events," she tells me. "The food is catered. These parties are not just thrown together in some seedy swinger club." Boundaries are respected, but they usually shift over time and with increased experience. The events are open to couples and single women only, with very few ladies attending alone. Everyone must first become an Active Membership Plan member and then proceed on to the screening guidelines. The result is a more exclusive event. These parties are held in local lofts or penthouses and attendance is usually limited to about 40 couples. This is what might be considered the "inner circle" of Palagia's sphere of sexuality. The newer Take Out events were designed as a stepping stone to Eat-Ins, and are also for couples and single ladies. Guests are encouraged to "leave their inhibitions at the door." Everyone may get topless, although women must wear pasties, and no sex of any kind is permitted. Hundreds of people have attended these events over the past 18 months.
"The title OneLegUp makes the parties sound like leg fetish events. Is there fetishism involved?" I ask. "Since these erotic soirees are all themed, there is a level of fetishism, but the themes change each month," Palagia responds. They range from the cute to the kinky, from Clockwork Orange to Glam Rock, Pimps & Hos to Painted Nipples. The events are fairly exclusive, and I ask Palagia how she decides who makes the cut. "Aesthetics are important," she replies, "but everyone sees beauty in a different light. A voluptuous female is sexy; so is a very thin girl." Aside from the serious screening process involved, Palagia feels that keeping the relationship together is the primary focus. "My guests do not attend to swap, but they can if they want. What I primarily look for is what they write me in their essays. I'm essentially doing a character study to see if this couple really understands their relationship. How much they value one another. What they are seeking? If OLU can help them achieve their fantasy. Also, grammar and spell check play a huge role on whether I let a couple in." Keep that in mind when you fill out the questionnaire, folks!  From merely reading some of the online descriptions, one might assume these events would be perfect for swingers, but Palagia is adamant about her parties being very different. "The events are filled with intense energy. Arriving in stylish, elegant attire adds to the event." At the heart of the distinction is her ultimate goal of enhancing a couples' relationship, rather than just providing an atmosphere for easy sex. "Everyone should be having porn-like sex with their partner," she explains. "I give everyone lots of attention, especially the females, allowing them to take control of their desires but, more importantly, live them out in a safe and secure way.""Has the media had any influence on the mainstreaming of more sexual events?" I ask. Palagia believes that the media has sensationalized them. "It would be nice for a magazine or TV show to really hone in on how these events transform relationships or marriages," she says. "I'd rather read about how a couple grew from attending one of my parties versus where they had sex and with whom." Coming up in December, Palagia promises a Diamonds and Feathers Eat-In Soiree on Saturday the 6th and a Glam Rock Take-Out on Friday the 12th. Check out www.onelegupnyc.com for complete info.
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