. >> reporter: fonia organizes pole expo, drawing competitors from all over the world vying for recognition and a prize. renowned instructor fonia's list of students includes britney spears, who pulled out moves during her "slave for you" routine at this year's billboard music awards. ? i'm a slave for you ? >> climbing the pole with britney. we did the basic climb. individual pole tricks. >> reporter: for the elite pole dancers taking the stage here tomorrow, their intricate routines comprise of hundreds of complex moves. >> i can imagine the athletes are going think their music, picturing themselves winning. >> reporter: ashley doesn't need to remember running, two years ago she scored first overall. we met at her studio in new york city. >> i get asked if i'm a gy i'm always like, something like that. you don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. >> there's a lot of misconception about pole dancing, isn't that right? most people think you're a stripper? >> oftentimes, oftentimes. not to say there aren't poehlers who do strip. i'm completely artistic, athletic, and focus on fitness and the

pole >> it's very intense. so there's a lot of refresh your to do well. >> reporter: fonia monday organizes the pole expo each year drawing in competitors from all over the world vying for recognition and a thousand dollar prize. for the dancers taking the stage, their routines compromise of hundreds of complex moves. ashley offered to give me a lesson. >> use your want to support yourself. you're going to swivel on your foot. hook the legs, squeeze, try to land. >> i can't do that. >> oh, you're going to do this. >> reporter: and believe me when i say she makes it look much easier than it is. the stakes higher for a newcomer, chris bayez, who trald traveled here from his home country can, chooil. newcomer, chris, who traveled here from his home country, chile. >> i just want to do a good job >> reporter: backstage drama heats up. >> everyone wants their space. there's no time for making new friends. >> i'm feeling super red di now that i have my makeup coming together and once i get my outfit on, i'll be more ready. >> welcome to the fifth annual pole expo, everybody. >> reporter: it's ladies first. ? superhero r