Which of the following was one of the original Pilates teachers?

The correct answer is Joseph Pilates, who is, in fact, the founder of the Pilates method. He developed this unique form of exercise in the early 20th century, blending elements of yoga, martial arts, and rehabilitation techniques to promote physical fitness and mind-body connection. His teachings laid the foundation for what is now a globally recognized form of exercise.

Eve Gentry was indeed an influential figure in the expansion of Pilates, particularly in the United States, where she helped to adapt and teach Pilates techniques after Joseph Pilates' death, but she was not one of the original teachers alongside Joseph himself.

Tommy Ford and Mary Smith are not historically recognized as influential or original teachers within the Pilates community. Each of them likely contributed to the fitness field, but their impact on the development and teaching of Pilates does not match that of Joseph Pilates or Eve Gentry. Thus, while Eve Gentry is a significant Pilates teacher, the key figure who originally created and taught the method is Joseph Pilates.