The ground for Semblesque broke in 2001 when Jill Hall organized 9:11-11:11, A Matinee of Refraction. Twelve dancers were drawn together for a matinee of vinettes, written in response to the events of 9/11, with five soloists, three duets, one quartet, and one 12 dancer piece set to the Dead Man Walking soundtrack, courtesy Columbia Records. The profits went to the American Red Cross.
2002
Within the year that followed, Jill Hall selected the name Semblesque, and created a performance company with one foot in Vaudeville & Burlesque and the other in her blend of jazz, modern & international dance, appended with multi-media stage aspects. The Illusion of Luck was created, performing to nearly sold out audiences at the NorShor Theatre. Cast included 26 performers, and total patrons in a one-weekend run brought in nearly 500.
2003
For the second time, fall performances presented an original (and silent) dance theatre production by Semblesque Performance Company. Between Rules and Rebellion was created this time by Hall and the assistance of Deborah Collins, long time Duluth actress, and Bryan Johnson, Videographer. 2003 brought in sold out crowds and a finale performance on the very (unknown) eve of the closure of the NorShor Theatre, by manager Rick Boo (who by the way, has performed with his son Lex, in all four of the Semblesque productions). A cast of 32; a year to be remembered. This year Hall committed to paying something to all cast and crew, and receiving a first Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Arts Project Grant allowed for this.
2004
A third original production, Do Your Own Research, was developed and set to compostions by Jim Richardson of Gonzo Science, and Craig Minowa of Cloud Cult. A cast of 19, and an audience of 500. We attempted our first two-weekend run, including free matinees for local youth organizations. The NorShor Theatre was once again home to the production, this time under the management of Chip Stewart and Craig Samborski. An ARAC Arts Project Grant again supported this event.
2005
Jill Hall [Semblesque Performance Company] was commissioned by Hibbing Community College, Director Mike Ricci, to bring old or new work to the HCC Stage, which presents two professional works annually. The decision was to adapt Do Your Own Research, reworking character sets to cast six from HCC and the Hibbing community. Ten travelling Semblesque performers from Duluth were paid performance and travelling stipends. A community dance workshop was held in conjunction with this weekend event.
2006
Jill Hall has been devoting most of her energies to full time employment as Health and Body Care Buyer at the Whole Foods Co-op, seeking her Holistic Health Care Practitioner License, researching grants, and serving on the Board of Directors of the newly created ART Fund. She and Collins created a Semblesque duet, A Mockumentary of Democracy, staged September 15th, 2006 at the Weber Music Hall as part of An Evening with Todd Gremmels and Friends. An encore presentation of this performance was held at the Weber Music Hall on Saturday, October 28th, 2006.
2007
Rest. Some ups and downs about what to do next, where, why and how. Oh, and then The Night That Robin Died came thru. Lined up a potential cast, which always helps me write.
2008
Here we are are and here it goes... a new venue, called The Venue (I like it). The old VFW ballroom. Good historic space, and apparently my grandparents met here. I'll take it as as sign.