Her Story
Tanti Dhatri, nurturer of the thread.
The name she performs under is also the job description. A thread is not two things braided; it is one thing that only holds because it was twisted from both.
In her words
Two lineages, one body.
I earned a Master’s in Natya Theater and a Master’s in English before I earned a PhD in psychology. The order matters. By the time I learned to name the mind, I had already spent years learning to read the body, my own and the audience’s. Applied Natya Therapy was not a career pivot. It was the moment I stopped apologizing for knowing both.
When I moved to the United States, my address changed my nervous system. The work I do now, in the clinic, on the stage, and in the training room, is what I built to come home to myself. I offer it to anyone who needs the same.
Timeline
How the thread was made
- Early years
Trained in classical Natya Theater
Master's in Natya Theater. Master's in English.
- 2011
PhD in Psychology
The clinical lineage begins in earnest.
- 2014
Applied Natya Therapy™ is born
Founded the Sumangali Institute in Delhi and began teaching the framework publicly.
- 2015
Body of Emotions goes international
The signature workshop, facilitated across continents since.
- 2023
Survivor advocacy in California
Leading parenting programs and support groups for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
- 2026
SPLIT premieres at Hollywood Fringe
Best Choreography Award. I AM THAT returns by popular demand.
- 2026–27
California Arts Council Fellowship
Established Artist Awardee, Orange County. Doctoral research on movement therapy and Complex PTSD continues.
Education, honors, and press
Education and training
- PhD, Psychology
- 2011
- PsyD, clinical specialization
- Completed
- MA, Natya Theater
- MA, English
- Master Trainer
- Clinical Hypnotherapy
- Registered Somatic Movement Educator
- ISMETA
Honors
2026–27
California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship
Established Artist, Orange County, with Arts Orange County
2026
SPLIT: Between Two Nervous Systems
Best Choreography, Hollywood Fringe
2025
I AM THAT, Shivoham
People's Choice Award, Spectrum Dance Invitational
2025
LA Opera Connects: Noah's Flood
Special recognition
Press
2024
The Hindu
On Vilasini Natyam, with Swapnasundari
2024
VoyageLA
Profile
2023
Zee News
A classical interpretation of the Mahabharata
2022
BET
On movement and depression
Work with Dr. Dimple
Therapy, a performance, or training. Choose the door you need.