Antonia Minnecola (Italian, American Kathak Dancer) Age, Biography,.

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Nickname	Toni

College/University	Manhattan School of Music, New York City
Qualifications	Dalcroze Eurhythmics at the Manhattan School of Music

Hobbies	Playing Sports and Games Roller-skating Ice Skating Swimming Biking

Mother	Angela
Siblings	Sister - Edith
Spouse	Zakir Hussain
Children	Daughters - 2 Anisa Qureshi (filmmaker), Isabella Qureshi (ballet teacher)

Awards	The Marin Arts Council Individual Artist Grant for Choreography (twice)
Details	Antonia Minnecola began her dance training in the late 1970s, driven by a passion for movement. She is a disciple of legendary Kathak dancer Sitara Devi, studying under her guidance for nearly three decades. Antonia has gained recognition through performances at international festivals including Jacob’s Pillow and the San Francisco Jazz Festival. As a solo Kathak artist, she often collaborated with her husband, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. She has contributed to education and dance communities by conducting workshops at various universities. She also served as manager for Zakir Hussain during his career.

Awards

The Marin Arts Council Individual Artist Grant for Choreography (twice)

Details

Antonia Minnecola began her dance training in the late 1970s, driven by a passion for movement.
She is a disciple of legendary Kathak dancer Sitara Devi, studying under her guidance for nearly three decades.
Antonia has gained recognition through performances at international festivals including Jacob’s Pillow and the San Francisco Jazz Festival.
As a solo Kathak artist, she often collaborated with her husband, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.
She has contributed to education and dance communities by conducting workshops at various universities.
She also served as manager for Zakir Hussain during his career.

1. Antonia was encouraged to pursue dance from a young age, finding ecstasy in movement.
2. Her marriage faced initial familial opposition due to cultural norms regarding musicianship.
3. Zakir Hussain's mother initially disapproved of their union but later accepted Antonia.
4. Antonia put her career on hold to support Zakir’s musical endeavors, raising their daughters during his travels.
5. Despite personal challenges, she embraced their diverse customs and values as a family.
6. She met Zakir Hussain in the Bay Area of California in the late 1970s when she was in an early phase of her dance training.
7. She trained under Sitara Devi with fellowships from the American Institute of Indian Studies.
8. Toni and Zakir helped Sitara Devi go on international tours, continuing Kathak training wherever they traveled.