Jill S. Rucci is a visionary choreographer, educator, and the Founder/Director of 8&1 Dance Company (Dallas and East). A graduate of Dean College, Rucci’s career is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, with a training pedigree that spans from NYC’s Alvin Ailey and Broadway Dance Center to Los Angeles’ Millennium and Edge. Her performance credits are equally distinguished, including appearances at the Joyce Theatre, Lincoln Center, and the AT&T Performing Arts Center. As a creator, Rucci has been hailed by critics as a “profound creative mind.” Her work has been presented across the U.S. and internationally in Olbia, Italy. Beyond the stage, she is a dedicated mentor who has served as a guest artist and choreographer for programs at JWU, Richland, and Collin College. Now crafting her 2026-27 season, Jill remains dedicated to the evolution of the craft, using her platform to mentor and ignite a fire in the next generation of performers to move with purpose and technical excellence.