Delinea Renda
For the first time, I am creating a short dance film that will merge my choreography with poetry, prose, and musical composition. The title of the project refers to a fictional character and moniker of mine, Delinea Renda, which is derived from the words “delineate” and “render,” relating to the articulation of a message inspired by the written form. My own poetry and prose form the basis of the work, the music, and the choreography, which combines modern dance fundamentals and American African diasporic street dance, such as house, popping, waacking, and hip hop. I’m collaborating with Chicago composer, musician, and producer, Josh Luis, as well as sound engineer and producer, Peter Angorola and Melvin Rosario. This is an ambitious work for me, but also deeply inspiring because it is a reassurance that I can and should be experimental and inclusive of all I have to offer as a performance and literary artist. Never before have I danced to my own songwriting, my own voice. The lyrics and the movement will come from the same mind and intention–a rarity for the choreographic process which usually includes submission to music already created. I’ll be able to create a tangible piece of work that is captured specifically for film, rather than documented from a live performance. I’m truly grateful for the chance to create something largely collaborative and beautiful. Funding for Delinea Renda will cover rehearsal space for dancers and musicians, studio recording sessions, cast and crew, equipment rental, costuming, and other costs of production. With the benefit of your support, my plan is to begin production later this year and release the film by Spring 2019.
About This Project
I was initially inspired to create this dance film after discovering the work of visual artist and writer, Barbara Chase Riboud. I stumbled upon Riboud’s Little Gold Flag at Chicago’s Stony Island Arts Bank. This large, sculptural piece brings graceful movement to its powerful bronze form and creates unique and impressive textures for its medium. What struck me most about Riboud’s work was learning that her other craft of poetry often informed her developing visual art–a practice I share with her in my choreographic and songwriting process. It renewed in me a sense of belonging and wonder and inspired me to try and create a work that is as deeply ethereal as it is strong. My work will tell my story through poetry and prose, as well as provide a seamless visual aid through the language of movement to create a multidimensional, communicative, and immersive experience.
Embodying the character of Delinea Renda, I will be a featured performer as well as the choreographer of all movement. I will be joined by an ensemble of dancers and musicians. The costuming will be inspired by Riboud’s Little Gold Flag and designed to reinforce fluidity and strength. This also aids in creating a depiction of trust that’s necessary in the process of personal storytelling. In trusting my collective to help me tell my personal story, I believe this project will fuel and inspire that possibility with others and eventually aid in creating a storytelling platform for many more people. I’ve never produced a project of this scale. The Chicago art community has been so supportive and encouraging of innovation and unique expression, and that is why it is my chosen creative home. I thank you for granting me the opportunity to experiment and learn about myself through what I create and put out into the world.
Thank yous
Contribute any amount or choose from the levels below.
- $20Acknowledgment, Thank You Via Social Media, and Film Download ($10.00 is tax deductible.)
- $50All of the above, plus handwritten letter and acknowledgement in the film credits ($40.00 is tax deductible.)
- $75All of the above plus a signed poster from the cast ($50.00 is tax deductible.)
- $150All of the above and admission to private screening party at Soho House ($75.00 is tax deductible.)
- $300All of the above plus Producer credit in the film ($225.00 is tax deductible.)
Brittany Harlin
Brittany Harlin is a performing artist with a mission to represent street dance on stage. She is the founding artistic director of Chicago Urban Dance Collective, a 2017 recipient of the Chicago Dancemakers Forum Lab Artist Award, and the …
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Update 1: We Have a Release Date!Posted on December 01, 2020
Delinea Renda Cover Art by Muun Chu
It's been two years, and over the span of this time, 'Delinea Renda' has grown into this family of art that I'm so proud of! I want to first invite you to listen to the musical component of this project on all major streaming platforms. I'm grateful for your support and patience, so far. Hoping it was worth the wait!
Listen to Delinea Renda on Spotify
Listen to Delinea Renda on Apple Music (Also available on for purchase on iTunes)
Listen to Delinea Renda on YouTube
Listen to Delinea Renda on Deezer
Listen to Delinea Renda on Amazon Music (Also available for purchase)
Listen to Delinea Renda on Anghami
Secondly, the initial vision of a dance film has transformed to adjust to these times as a 7-part mini webseries, that will be availbale on IGTV @brittanyharlin December 23rd, and also on YouTube under the Brittany Harlin artist account. My hope is that this will recreate the experience of an in-person premiere will some insight to my work. I'm excited to finally show you what my collective has been up to!
Until then,
Here are some non-monetary ways you can show your support!
Give my artist accout a follow, via my Instagram and my YouTube.
That's all for now! I hope everyone is staying joyful, well, optimistic, and safe.
Best wishes,
Brittany Harlin
brittanyharlin.com
@brittanyharlin
Update 2: You're Invited to the Premiere of Delinea Renda - A Dance Film by Brittany HarlinPosted on December 19, 2020Hi all,
It's finally here! Let's watch the culmination of our work together. That you to everyone that made this work come into fruition! Wanted you all to be the first to get a chance to see it in full before it's released!
I understand we're right up on the holidays, so if you can't make it -- no worries! Thank you dance fam, Chicago Dancemakers Forum, and 3Arts Projects. Special thanks to Jazz Williams for coming on the edit this piece -- hope you enjoy!
Best wishes and be well,
Brit
Brittany Harlin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
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Thank you to the following for contributing to 3Arts with the recommendation that we support this project.
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