Three spellbinding aerial artists in L.A. on the continuously evolving, and still misunderstood, art of pole dancing.

As Lopez continued to strengthen her body in the gym, she also began her pole-dancing training sessions with Sapakie. Sapakie says that each training session always started with stretching.

"I've always looked at pole dancers and just been amazed at their flexibility," the rising country star tells PEOPLE. "I wanted to have that athleticism and strength" Tricia Despres is a writer ...