Natya Shastra classifies the dance as soul liberating, unlike pure entertaining. Abhinaya Darpana, the book written by Acharya Nandikeshwara is based on Natya Shastra and the classical dance Bharatnatyam is strictly following the system and rules given in the book Abhinaya Darpana.

The original Bharatanatyam is not a vulgar form of entertainment as mainly required for false success, artificial popularity and fame, making money etc. but it is for sacred ritual that is supposed to bring the spiritual upliftment to the audience and the dancer.

Shringara is one of the most important division of  Navarasas. Sage Bharata Muni in his Natyashastra defines Shringara as the rasa that is expressing love, beauty, art and spiritual devotion.

It is also recognized as Rajarasa, which deserves the position of king over all Rasas hence it is found as a divine portrayal in Indian art. In Indian music, dance, or theatre Shringara is used as the primary expression to demonstrate the love between male and female, among friends, the love between a mother and her child, the love for god and the love between a teacher and his disciples.