Meet Erica Henderson | Children’s Book Author & Performance and Literary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Henderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
The end goal in one phrase: spread Truth. Through the Dancing Curl blog, dance performances, and podcast collaborations, I desire to establish interpretative dance workshops – a creative, safe place for women to come together in the name of Jesus, being free, holy, and creative in their walks while growing deeper in their knowledge and obedience of the Holy Word.

Professionally, at my career and life’s end I hope to have established an outlet that encourages Biblical Truth, woman empowerment, and boldness for Christ. I see my time with Dancing Curl culminating with this popular saying: “there’s no success without successors.” I do not want this artistic and God-given venture to die with me. So I don’t see my end, only my passing down. I will work to put people in place to keep this work going as long as the Lord allows.

The same is my goal for Compass Dance Publishing, my publication company for emotional health-focused children’s books. I desire to advocate for the autonomy, understanding, safety, independent questioning, and healing of children and the adults that raise them through imaginative and positive storytelling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Dancing Curl and Compass Dance Publishing were separately birthed out of a need to merge many things I cherish: dancing and writing, and children and healing, respectively. Out of the ashes of my own creative journey, these endeavors gave me replenishment when life left me weak. Dancing Curl is the sharing of my rawest, most authentic adult writing aimed at relating to others and bringing the principles of Jesus to light. Compass Dance Publishing is founded on healing the child in me and helping the children of today through a small girls imaginative journeys with her special butterfly Friend, Omni. These outlets are what made the challenges in my life so worth it. I actually see the worth in all I’ve faced because of their existence.

I believe that the only control we have on earth is the ability to choose. Choose despair. Choose to release. Choose courage. Choose forgiveness. Choose to walk away. Choose love. I got to these two brands because I chose to let the pains of my life turn into professional creations. I stared deep into the wounds I carried and asked myself “what good can I make from this?” In the vulnerability of that question and the desire to encourage others and please God, I welcomed healing into my situations which then revealed that my life could very well offer remedies to other people as well. I still ask myself that question now – it’s a perspective-changer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Having just moved back to Houston, I am exploring the city like a tourist most times and have made some amazing, new discoveries: Eats – Mo Better Brews, Local Foods, The Post, Asia Blue
Visits – A Miller Outdoor Theatre Performance, Market Square Park Bingo Night, Soul Sessions at MKT Bar, NASA
Relax – The Post rooftop, Discovery Green, Hermann Park
Dance – FBAAD Free Saturdays, Latin Nights at Boheme

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to especially dedicate this shoutout to my mom, Tina VanHook, who has walked my unconventional and courageous life with me, cheering and supporting my every step.

Honorable mentions go out to my close-knit sisters in Christ who’ve lifted up the banner of truth and integrity, teaching and loving on me at every life’s turn. You’ve saved me in many ways – thank you!

Website: www.dancingcurl.com www.compassdancepublishing.com

Instagram: @dancing_curl @aciresjourneybooks

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericadhenderson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aciresjourney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DancingCurl; https://www.facebook.com/aciresjourneybooks

Youtube: Dancing Curl – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBqU-XaANaRJjl0Fbv2A3aQ; Compass Dance Publishing – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDxLDpYYlhjOXQSd-mkPtLg