Bharatnatyam In southern India, there reigned yet another dance style performed by female temple dancers, a dance that has come to be known as Bharata Natyam. In its strict adherence to the Natya Sastra, the scripture of classical Indian dance, Bharata Natyam may well claim to be the most shastric, or pure, dance in the classical repertoire. Bharata Natyam is characterized by the ardhamandali position, or the outward knee, turnout position in demi-plie, linear arm movements and strict adherence to technique.