Meet the Team

The Heart Behind One Take Studios

At One Take Studios, our team is more than just instructors — we’re mentors, artists, and passionate leaders dedicated to helping every student grow both on and off the floor. Each member of our team brings their unique background, talent, and love for the culture to create a one-of-a-kind environment where students feel inspired, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.

What Makes Our Team Unique

  • ✅ Real-world experience in dance, martial arts, acrobatics, and the elements of Hip Hop

  • ✅ Trained educators and mentors who care about each student’s personal journey

  • ✅ Diverse cultural backgrounds that reflect and respect the roots of our art forms

  • ✅ A deep commitment to leadership, creativity, and positive community impact


  • Mr. Robert Ortiz

    Instructor in Martial Arts, Dance, and the Elements of Hip Hop

    Dance:

    Robert's journey in the world of dance was inspired by his older brothers and their competition successes. He joined the illustrious Lab Rats Crew and, together with his brothers, embarked on a winning streak that lasted an entire year. To this day, Robert remains actively engaged in the dance community, both as a competitor and as a host for events, alongside Miss. Neilah.

    With a dance career spanning over 25 years, Robert has cultivated a diverse skill set, specializing in B-boying (Break Dance), House, and Locking. His dance expertise extends to film, with notable appearances in productions such as "Step Up 2," live shows, and a commercial for Aqua Fresh. Robert's dance journey has taken him across the United States, where he has both competed and shared his passion for Hip Hop culture through teaching.

    Martial Arts:

    Mr. Robert holds the esteemed rank of a 3rd Degree Black Belt, having honed his skills under the tutelage of World Champion Jeff Smith. His teaching experience includes instructing alongside luminaries like Master Jeff Smith, Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, and Charlie Lee. With over 25 years in martial arts, Robert has amassed an impressive repertoire, encompassing Traditional American Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Cardio Kick Boxing, Self Defense, Stunts, Fight Choreography, Tricking, Sparring, and Weapons expertise, including Nunchaku, Kamas, Bo, Sword, and more.

    Robert's martial arts journey has transcended the dojo, leading him to explore opportunities in movies, short films, music videos, and live stunt shows, all of which stand as a testament to his dedication and skill in martial arts.

    Fluent in both Spanish and English, Robert invites individuals to experience the rich tapestry of his expertise in both dance and martial arts.

  • Dance Instructor, Mentor, Program Director, Assistant, Martial Arts Instructor & Photographer

    Martial Arts:

    Mrs. Neilah is a passionate and dedicated martial artist who discovered her love for Karate at a young age. Despite a brief hiatus due to her studio's relocation, she reignited her martial arts journey in 2016 and has since achieved the prestigious Black Belt status. Her unwavering commitment to martial arts extends to her active participation in local tournaments, where she consistently showcases her skills and competitive spirit.

    With an impressive range of martial arts expertise, including proficiency in Nunchaku, Bo, Kamas, Traditional Tae Kwon Do forms, Point Sparring, Continuous Sparring, Self Defense, and Cardio Kickboxing, Mrs. Neilah is a well-rounded martial artist. Her dedication to martial arts education is further exemplified by her certification to teach students of all ranks, reflecting her passion for sharing the discipline and artistry of martial arts with others.

    Dance:

    Mrs. Neilah's journey in the world of dance began in Puerto Rico, where she quickly earned recognition as a trailblazer and the "Queen" of Puerto Rican dance. She introduced a diverse range of dance styles to the island, achieving numerous victories in dance competitions over a four-year period. Her extraordinary talent caught the attention of renowned artists like Don Omar and Vico C, leading to performances alongside them. She has also made appearances on various television shows and film projects, solidifying her reputation in the dance community.

    Upon relocating to Virginia, Mrs. Neilah extended her influence to the Northern Virginia community, collaborating with Mr. Robert to teach dance classes within Arlington County Schools. This initiative expanded into Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. In her pursuit of artistic excellence, Mrs. Neilah co-founded One Take Studios in Sterling, which quickly became a vibrant hub for artistic expression. Her contributions include live performances for artists, hosting dance competitions, and nurturing the next generation of dancers.

    As an artist known by her stage name, "Neverless," Mrs. Neilah's passion for dance has propelled her onto the global stage. She has been a consistent participant in the Red Bull Dance Your Style competition since 2019, where she has competed in qualifiers and faced off against top dancers in the National Finals. Representing One Take Studios, Puerto Rico, and the DMV area, her versatile style, honed over more than 20 years, spans various genres such as Salsa, Popping, House, Dancehall, Breaking, and more. In addition to her impressive dance career, Mrs. Neilah has served as a judge at multiple dance events across different states and countries, further solidifying her influence in the dance world.

    Mrs. Neilah's influence extends beyond the dance floor. She has been interviewed by some of the most well-known celebrities for HOLA! USA, as well as featured in Voyage and Grown. Additionally, she contributes to the 2040 Fellowship WBL project, working to create positive change and impact in Hip Hop Culture and the community.

    Mrs. Neilah invites you to join her dance classes, where you can experience firsthand the sheer joy and excitement of dance. She is fluent in both Spanish and English, offering a rich and inclusive learning experience for all.

Our Team in Action + Exclusive Interviews

  • Get to know our team through their stories and passion.
    Read an inspiring interview with one of our One Take members about how women are preserving culture through street dance:
    Read more here

  • Discover the vibrant spirit of our team!
    Check out this feature on One Take members representing the Latinx community through street dance:
    Read more on HOLA! USA

  • Meet Neilah Carrillo, the heart behind One Take Studios.
    Read her inspiring story and vision for the future of dance and culture:
    Read more on VOYAGE

  • Young woman with dark hair in a top knot, wearing glasses and a black turtleneck, standing against a plain, light-colored wall.

    Monica Ateca

    Administrative Assistant

  • A young man with curly black hair smiling, wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt and white shorts, standing by a railing with a waterfall in the background.

    Ahmed Abouissa

    Youth or Beginner Dance & Martial Arts Instructor

  • Cartoon-style logo of two animated characters, one in a martial arts uniform and the other in casual streetwear, in dynamic poses, with the text 'ONE TAKE STUDIOS' underneath.

    Nataly Carrera

    Front Desk Assistant