{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">Bembe: A Healing Experience</span></p> <p>The purpose of this thesis is to, discuss the relationship between bembe and dance therapy, and to discuss the importance of myth and ritual in the life of an individual. A theory is developed using a cultural ritual to expand theories of dance therapy to meet the needs of an existing community within the mental health care system made up of third world peoples and cultures.</p> <p>The framework for a theory that links dance therapy to the bembe ritual is developed from theory that links dance therapy to the bembe ritual is developed from theory on ritual, healing, and dance therapy. It has been long understood by ancient peoples that myth and ritual are intrinsic to their experience of themselves and their universe. Ritual was the expression of myth in a physical form. Community rituals were directed towards healing, sustenance, and cohesion. These experiences were choreographed by the chief healing agent, the shaman.</p> <p>Healing was as much needed in the past as it is in the present. Healing and types of healing experiences are as numerous as man's ability to create on a theme. In urban centers of the modern world healing continues to occur, using rituals that have transuded from ancient times to current days. Bembe, is one such ritual. It connects the individual to the universe by allowing the deities to align first with the individual, and then with the community through the process of possession and cleansing.</p> <p>Dance therapy is another form of healing, that connects the body/mind of an individual to themselves and then to the community of humanity. Both of these techniques, ancient healing rituals and dance therapy are working towards the same goals. Healing of the individual with the community.</p>"}