Janaki Rangarajan performing Bharatanatyam Bharatanatyam is one of the 8 kinds of classical dances in India. All classical dance forms share a common root in Natyashastra. Natyashastra,  was written by Saint Bharata sometime between the 2nd century BC and  2nd century AD. The theory and technique of not only classical dances  but also classical drama, stage design, music, costume, and make-up are  based on Natyashastra.The  origin of the name Bharatanatyam came from 4 Sanskrit words. Divided in  4 sections, Bha-ra-ta-natyam. Each syllable represents a different word  and meaning. Bha comes from Bhava, which means expression. RaRaga, which means melody. Ta comes from Tala, which means rhythm. Natyam mean dance. If you broke Bharatanatyam into four Sanskrit words it would read Bhava, Raga, Tala and Natyam. These aspects: expression; melody; and rhythm; are very important in Bharatanatyam. comes fromThe  origin of Bharatanatyam is from religious ritual. Bharatanatyam was a  solo female performance. It was traditionally performed in Hindu temples  to worship Gods and Goddesses by the temple dancer called devadasi. The devadasis were not only knowledgeable in dance and music but also in religious ceremonies.
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