Indian Classical Dance is an umbrella under which various performing arts whose theory and practice can be traced to the Sanskrit text, Natya-Shastra, the foundational treatise by:

The correct answer is Bharata Muni.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Understanding the Text in Question: The question asks for the author/creator of the Natya Shastra, which is the foundational Sanskrit treatise for Indian classical dance and performing arts.

2. Historical Context of Natya Shastra: The Natya Shastra is an ancient Indian encyclopedic treatise on the performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance, and music. Traditionally, it is attributed to the ancient sage Bharata Muni. The text is believed to have been compiled between 200 BCE and 200 CE.

3. Analyzing the Options:
• Bhasa: One of the earliest known Sanskrit dramatists, famous for plays like Svapnavasavadatta, but not the author of the Natya Shastra.
• Panini: An ancient Sanskrit philologist and grammarian, renowned for his work Ashtadhyayi, a foundational text on Sanskrit grammar.
• Patanjali: A sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras and wrote the Mahabhasya (a commentary on Panini's grammar).
• Bharata Muni: The legendary sage and musicologist traditionally credited as the author of the Natya Shastra.

Therefore, the treatise Natya Shastra is traced back to the foundational work by Bharata Muni.