as told to Haley Hilton

On a wet sandy beach in front of a clear light blue sky, three male dancers in white pants dance together. The two closest to the camera mirror each other back to back, arching backward as they lunge back and rest on their right knees for support, chests turned up toward the sky.

What My Teacher Taught Me: Compagnie Hervé Koubi’s Houssni Mijem on Mehdi Ichar

as told to Haley Hilton

Skye Mattox poses dramatically in a spotlight against a tan wall. She wears a long sleeve black crop top, black briefs, black sheer tights and black dance heels. Her short brown hair is down and she looks at the camera intently as she does a passé parallel.

What My Teacher Taught Me: Broadway’s Skye Mattox on Chris Alloways-Ramsey

as told to Haley Hilton

Princess Reid poses in a low arabesque, arms lifted above her head and head turned upward confidently, in a multicolored long-sleeve leotard. Her long brown hair is down, and she dances on pointe in front of a rosy pink backdrop.

What My Teacher Taught Me: Joffrey Ballet’s Princess Reid on Laurie Picinich-Byrd

as told to Haley Hilton

What My Teacher Taught Me: Complexions Contemporary Ballet’s Tatiana Melendez on Houston Ballet Academy’s Sally Rojas

as told to Haley Hilton