2026-2027 Activated Faculty

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Brianna Downey has been performing professionally since 2012. She was a principal dancer for modern acrobat/dance company, Galumpha from 2015-2018. Galumpha is a triumphant mix of art and entertainment, offering world-class, award winning choreography (Edinburgh Festival Critics' Choice Award, Moers International Comedy Arts Prize). Brianna also spent 5 football seasons (2012 - 2016) working as a professional cheerleader for the Gotham City Cheerleaders, supporting the NY Giants. She has performed and taught dance internationally in Mumbai, India - where she performed daily on a live television show for 2.5 months; Tokyo, Japan - where she lead an NFL Pro-Cheer Workshop in conjunction with World Sports Communications; and Bolzano, Italy - where she performed with Galumpha in the European Cabaret Competition 'Niederstätter surPrize 2016'. She was also blessed to perform in the Bruno Mars Super Bowl Halftime show. Brianna has appeared in numerous television shows, including Saturday Night Live, Last Week Tonight w/ John Oliver, The Steve Harvey Show, and more. She is grateful to share her passion, knowledge & love for this art form with the youth in Junction City & the surrounding areas.

Tyler Downey was a football and rugby athlete turned theater performer in college. He finished his studies and holds a dual B.A. from Binghamton University in both Theatre Arts (Acting/Directing) and English (Creative Writing). It was in his early studies that he grew to love the connnection between breath, imagination and body as it pertains to performance. He has studied Linklater technique, Meisner technique and has performed around NY. in NYC and locally here in Junction City, KS.

Notable roles include Tartuffe in Tartuffe,  Trigorin in Stupid F#&$ing Bird, Zach in A Chorus Line  and Bernard in Arcadia. 

He is an Army veteran who spent the last 5 years getting on stage whenever time allows as well as cultivating a film presence in Junction City. Most recently he produced the Junction City Film 48, a 48 hour film competition in the area. He is passionate about classic plays to include the works of Shakespeare and the biblical connections to the work and will be teaching acting, voice and body at Activated Arts for performance both on-stage and in front of the camera.

Nadia's dance journey began at a tender age of 3 in Redondo Beach, CA, where her passion for movement blossomed. As she matured, she delved into the competitive dance scene in Colorado Springs, finding her niche in jazz and tap.

Upon relocating to Kansas, Nadia's dance horizon expanded to include acro, teaching, and choreography. Her talent and dedication propelled her to success on both regional and national stages in Branson and Las Vegas.

Under the mentorship of Julie Pentz, a Professor of Dance at Kansas State University, Nadia honed her tap skills and teaching abilities. Her creativity flourished as she crafted award-winning choreography for solo, duet, and group performances.

Nadia Dupree Fogle is distinguished by her skill in tap, acro, turns, and technique. With a precision honed over years of dedicated practice, she commands the tap floor with rhythmic finesse, executes acrobatic maneuvers with grace and strength, and executes turns with poise and precision. Her commitment to technical excellence sets her apart, allowing her to excel in both performance and instruction across these diverse disciplines.

Julie L Pentz’ contributions to the dance field have traveled in the international dance community and her credits include guest teaching and performance appearances at the Theatro Libero in Rome, Italy, Taiwan, Chinese Cultural University, National Taiwan University of the Arts, Tsoying Performing Arts, Koahsiung Performing Arts, the Interdansa in Banyoles-Girona, Spain and the National Theatre of Ghana, the Dagra Music Center in Ghana Africa and several locations in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Julie has been teaching at Kansas State University for 18 years. Julie is a full professor of dance in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, teaching jazz and tap dance, the K-State Tap Dance Ensemble, dance appreciation, teaching methods, and for the K-State First program. She is active in the National Dance Educators Organization serving on the advisory board directing students from 2017 – 2020 and now serves on the Executive Committee as the organizations Recording Secretary. In 2019 Julie accepted a position as a Global Goodwill Ambassador and Human Peace Ambassador, representing the United States of America. Julie serves as a national judge for dance competitions and is a trained HealthRhythms facilitator. Prior to Julie’s return to graduate study she performed with The National Tap Ensemble out of Washington, DC and worked with master tap teachers that include Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, and Brenda Buffalino.

Full bio and more information on Julie’s non-profit work available at:

www.taptotogetherness.org

Stephanie is excited to join the faculty at Activated Arts. Born and raised in Junction City, KS, she trained in dance for 15 years before continuing her dance career as a member of the Barton Community College Dance Team while earning her associate degree. She is currently pursuing a degree in Dietetics at Kansas State University. Stephanie is passionate about sharing her love of dance with her students and looks forward to inspiring and connecting with the dancers and families at Activated Arts.