Keke Palmer Reveals the Real Hustle: Mastering Pole Dancing for ‘Hustlers’ with J.Lo and the All-Star Cast

Ahead of its highly anticipated theatrical release, the crime drama Hustlers captivated audiences and critics alike, thanks in no small part to its stellar ensemble cast and the incredible performances within. One of the film’s breakout stars, Keke Palmer, offered an exclusive glimpse into the demanding production, sharing her candid thoughts with HollywoodLife about the formidable challenge of learning pole dancing and the empowering experience of working alongside a powerhouse like Jennifer Lopez.

The buzz surrounding Hustlers intensified dramatically with the release of a viral video showcasing Jennifer Lopez’s intensive pole dancing training. In the clip, J.Lo, renowned for her incredible athleticism and dedication, openly described the art form as “one of the hardest things I’ve ever done physically.” Keke Palmer, who portrays the character Mercedes in the film, echoed these sentiments during an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife.com at the MTV VMAs, emphasizing the extreme physical demands involved. “They didn’t even have me do too much pole dancing because I was like, ‘It’s not that easy!’” she recounted with a laugh. “Jennifer, I don’t know how she did it. It took a lot of athleticism.” This insight underscores the profound commitment required from the cast, particularly Lopez, to authentically portray their roles as seasoned strippers in New York City.

The film itself tells the incredible true story of a group of former strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Keke Palmer’s Mercedes is a pivotal character in this elaborate scheme, joining forces with Lopez’s charismatic Ramona and Constance Wu’s complex Destiny. The narrative delves deep into themes of female empowerment, sisterhood, and survival in a cutthroat world. The cast is truly a who’s who of talent, featuring not only J.Lo, Keke Palmer, and Constance Wu, but also critically acclaimed artists like Lili Reinhart, Cardi B, Lizzo, Julia Stiles, and Madeline Brewer, rounding out a truly star-studded lineup that promised a cinematic experience like no other.

The camaraderie among this diverse group of women was palpable, even off-screen. At a special LA screening of Hustlers, the cast appeared incredibly tight-knit and genuinely joyful as they posed on the red carpet together, radiating a powerful sense of unity. Palmer reflected on this bond, highlighting its importance during the demanding production schedule. “These ladies really taught me how to hold it all together. How to keep each other up. It’s a lot of late nights,” the then-new host of Strahan, Sarah & Keke explained. “You try to make sure it’s fun, and just be a team player.” This collaborative spirit was crucial, not only for navigating the challenging physical requirements of the film but also for capturing the authentic emotional depth of a story centered on women supporting – and sometimes manipulating – each other for survival.

The physical transformation required for Hustlers was immense, particularly for the intricate pole dancing sequences. To ensure authenticity and safety, renowned performer and instructor Johanna Sapakie was enlisted to coach Jennifer Lopez, and subsequently provided invaluable assistance to the other actresses in the film. Sapakie’s expertise proved vital in guiding the cast through the nuances of an art form that is far more demanding than it often appears. Her involvement ensured that the performances were not only believable but also respected the skill and artistry inherent in professional pole work.

Sapakie provided HollywoodLife with a fascinating breakdown of the various facets of pole dancing during an exclusive interview, conducted while she led a Hustlers-inspired pole dancing class at the prestigious Body & Pole studio in NYC. “There’s the kind of pole dancing you’ll see in clubs, which is the kind of stuff we did in the Hustlers movie,” Sapakie explained, referring to the more sensual and narrative-driven style required for the film’s authenticity. “But then sometimes you’ll see the stuff they do in Cirque Du Soleil which is highly acrobatic pole dancing, and then you’ll see contemporary pole dancing, which has a very modern feel to it.” This insightful commentary sheds light on the vast spectrum of pole artistry, demonstrating its evolution from an entertainment staple to a recognized form of athletic and artistic expression.

Her passion for the art form was evident as she continued, “It goes from one end to another to everything in between, which is what I love about it. People are now using this tool, the pole, to create art.” Sapakie’s perspective underlines a cultural shift, where pole dancing is increasingly viewed with respect for its technical difficulty, strength requirements, and expressive potential. For the cast of Hustlers, under Sapakie’s guidance, embracing this complex physicality was not just about performing a role, but about embodying the resilience, strength, and vulnerability of their characters, whose lives revolved around this demanding profession.

The film’s plot, inspired by Jessica Pressler’s 2015 New York Magazine article “The Hustlers at Scores,” plunges audiences into the lives of these women who, feeling disenfranchised by a system that seemed to favor the very men they entertained, devised an elaborate scheme to reclaim a sense of control and wealth. Keke Palmer’s Mercedes, alongside J.Lo’s Ramona and Constance Wu’s Destiny, forms the core of this operation, navigating the moral ambiguities of their actions while driven by a fierce loyalty to each other and a desire for a better life. The film masterfully portrays the intricacies of their plan, the bonds they forge, and the inevitable consequences of their audacious endeavors.

Beyond the physical demands and the captivating storyline, Hustlers resonated with audiences for its exploration of complex societal issues. It sparked conversations about class, gender, and the American dream, offering a nuanced look at the lives of women often marginalized and misunderstood. The film challenged perceptions and celebrated the tenacity of its characters, making it far more than just a crime drama. It became a cultural touchstone, recognized for its sharp script, stylish direction by Lorene Scafaria, and the incredible depth brought to each role by its talented cast.

The anticipation leading up to the film’s release was monumental. Premiering at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, Hustlers garnered significant critical acclaim, particularly for Jennifer Lopez’s transformative performance, which many lauded as career-defining. Keke Palmer’s contributions, along with the rest of the ensemble, were also highlighted for their raw authenticity and compelling portrayals, cementing the film’s status as a must-see cinematic event. The early screenings generated immense buzz, setting the stage for a successful theatrical run and solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about films of the year.

Hustlers officially hit theaters on Friday, September 13, following its acclaimed premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on Saturday, September 7. The film not only delivered on its promise of an entertaining and thought-provoking story but also offered a powerful testament to the hard work, camaraderie, and artistic dedication of its entire cast and crew, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary cinema.