Celebrating Student Expression Through Dance: Take Five with Diana Muhammad

Take Five is a series that highlights members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our students. All throughout the 2024–25 school year, we will be spotlighting our amazing CPS teachers! If you know a teacher who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

Meet Ms. Diana Muhammad, a 20-year veteran educator who is a passionate advocate for the arts and the dance teacher at Beasley Academic Center.

Ms. Muhammad, who comes from a family of educators, has been involved in art education since she began working at a music academy at the age of 13. Now, her classes at Beasley encompass everything from ballet, modern, and jazz styles to dance history and cultural dance traditions. Each and every day, Ms. Muhammad brings her lifelong passion for education and her steadfast advocacy of the arts to her classroom and dance students.

“It really makes a difference in children’s lives when the school community prioritizes both academics and artistic expression,” says Ms. Muhammad. “When we create an environment that uplifts student voice, we are supporting the whole child and enriching their school experience.”

At Beasley, Ms. Muhammad leads the school’s Behavioral Health Team and Culture and Climate Team to create an environment that provides all students with a sense of belonging, as well as organizes school-wide events to encourage student expression and performance. Ms. Muhammad is also a leader in the wider Chicago arts community, serving as the Dance Co-Director for the District’s All-City Performing Arts program and CPS Dance Teacher Lead, and speaking about the power and importance of the arts through community partnerships with the Chicago Park District, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Goodman Theatre.

Learn more about Ms. Muhammad below!

What do you love most about teaching dance?

One of my philosophies is that if you can move, you can dance. What I love about dance is that movement gives you the power to heal, express yourself, and learn in ways that you wouldn’t traditionally learn. I can teach all of the core subjects through dance. For example, with history, we get to explore how different cultures have used dance to cultivate community and express themselves. Most of all, I feel blessed to be able to positively impact and enrich the lives of so many students.

Can you tell us more about the work you do to create a positive classroom and school culture?

I have an extensive background in restorative practices, so I design my classroom to create a sense of belonging centered around the commonality that we all breathe and we all move. It’s a safe space for students to express their emotions, and I incorporate a lot of social-emotional learning through dance. As for our overall school environment, I believe that enthusiasm is contagious. If we as educators are enthusiastic about learning, then we will pass that on to students.

Why is it important for students to have access to arts education?

The arts have a profound impact on our students’ lives. Throughout the years, I’ve heard endless stories from so many former students who clearly remember the experience of creating a dance and getting on stage and performing, even years and years later. Experiences in the arts stick with students and have a direct impact on their confidence, character, self-expression, and ability to be citizens of the world.

What are your biggest goals for your students?

I hope my class helps students express themselves, build confidence and self-awareness, explore who they are, and gain an understanding about how dance has impacted the world throughout history.

What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?

My first full-time job is being a mom, so that keeps me very busy! But whenever I can, I love listening to live music, as well as finding quiet time to read.

Next week, Ms. Muhammad will be directing Beasley’s winter show, “Jazzin’ with the Nutcracker,” featuring 350 students from dance, music, and Spanish classes. The show will premiere on the Beasley YouTube channel on December 19 at 7 p.m.