{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">Towards an Understanding of the Role of Ritual Dance in Dance Therapy: a Comparison of Dance Therapy and Voodoo.</span></p> <p>Preliminary exploration into the relationship between dance therapy and ritual dance indicates that ritual is powerful tool which affects the participants emotionally and culturally and has the ability to alter psychological structure. A comparison of Haitian Voodoo and dance therapy is made in the areas of cosmological, psychological, social functions, and elements. Psychological functions include: sublimation; canalization; relief of stress, anxiety, and fear; catharsis; identification; projection; self-renewal; and opportunity for change. Social functions include: socialization, education, reinforcement of values, cohesion, and social change. Ritual dance is relevant to dance therapy as it enhances group process and enriches personal experience.</p>"}