Conversations with Shaina McGregor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaina McGregor.

Hi Shaina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ohhh, where do I begin?! I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and I grew up in a family, my mother specifically, who inspired curiosity. I started dancing at a young age and continued it throughout middle and high school. I fell in love with dance and decided that I wanted to be a professional dancer. I went to Ailey/ Fordham for my undergraduate degree. Although I was hyper-focused on dance, I allowed myself to tap into the other parts of me that were curious about blogging, fitness, and self-development. Along with this, my time in undergrad was not easy. While dance filled my cup in many ways, I also experienced a ton of rejection and confidence-building moments that reminded me to build self-worth from within.

Fast forward to 2020, I not only went through an identity crisis because lockdown challenged my relationship with dance, but I also experienced a significant loss in my life. My father passed away in January of that year. Grief has an interesting way of turning your life upside down and making you look in the mirror to assess what’s really important. I’ve always felt like I had profound things to say, and after everything I had been through and grown from, I wanted to share more of that online. I started to be more consistent with my content and got certified as a life coach.

In my life, there has always been a through line of movement and mental health, so it’s no surprise that in 2026, I am one month away from graduating with my Master of Social Work. I founded a wellness community, Inward Space, that is dedicated to helping individuals slow down, reconnect with themselves, and live with more joy and intention. I have led, hosted, and spoken at numerous events for Inward Space and other companies, including Women in Power Collective, Sad Girls Club, Some Creative Agency, Positive Vibes Only, Soul and Sky, and, most recently, The Wellness Takeover. I still dance professionally and teach Contemporary classes weekly at The Ailey Extension. I love being multi-faceted and giving myself permission to tap into the different parts of myself!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road. Previously, I briefly spoke about experiencing profound rejection and loss. As a teenager or young adult, I had this idea of what success looked like. I had a picture of what a successful career as a dancer was supposed to look like, and it was a rude awakening when my journey was not unfolding the way I originally envisioned it. I heard countless “nos” when auditioning. Some of which broke me down to the core and made me question everything about myself. At 23 years old, I lost my father, and then the world shut down. The emptiness of losing a parent is indescribable. I was lost, angry, and felt helpless all at the same time. My 20s had many beautiful moments, but there were a lot of lows that shaped the woman I am today. Moments that challenged me to really think about what I want my future to look like and what’s most important for me in building a rich and fulfilling life.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Along with being a wellness practitioner and finishing school for my MSW, I am a professional dancer. I currently teach Contemporary classes at the Ailey Extension in Midtown NYC. I also dance with a freelance company based in NY called McKoy Dance Project. Dance will always hold a special place in my heart. I love performing, and I love teaching.

Teaching has been an unexpected joy. Growing up, I did not aspire to be a dance teacher, but teaching over the last 10 years has brought me so much fulfillment and purpose. I had a student say, “Shaina is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, in dance and in life. She is patient, encouraging, and fun. She brings warmth and playfulness to her class while challenging us to grow as dancers. We all step into the studio carrying something, but I always leave her class feeling lighter.” Knowing that my classes have that impact on people is something I will never take lightly. I naturally weave the wellness and mental health piece into my classes because I want to make sure my classes are a safe space for exploration. People go through a lot, and they deserve an hour and a half space to just let go and be themselves. My commitment to creating that space is what sets me apart.

Additionally, I have to shout out my wellness community, Inward Space. I host community events in NYC centered on well-being, connection, and slowing down. One of my most recent events was hosted at the Arlo NoMad, and it was called the Sunday Reset. ​Throughout the afternoon, guests experienced guided breathwork, reflective journaling, meaningful conversation, and a restorative sound bath. Additionally, each guest got to take home a custom floral bouquet and keepsake card. It was a beautiful afternoon! People are craving spaces to deeply connect with others and themselves, and that’s exactly what I provide at Inward Space. Make sure you follow me @shaina.mcgregor and Inward Space @inward.space to stay connected and make it to one of my future events!

Overall, I believe that I’m known for my warmth and making people feel seen. That’s the magic I bring to every space, whether it is a dance studio or wellness event. It’s also what inspired me to further my education and become a social worker. I am proud of believing in myself and gracefully juggling many things to create a full and rich life. It takes audacity to go after the things we want and believe we are undeniably deserving of them. I have that audacity, and I will continue to inspire others to take up their God-given space as well.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Believe in yourself, be patient, and don’t try to handle it all on your own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shainamcgregor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaina.mcgregor/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaina-mcgregor-b7b488218/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shaina.mcgregor