{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">The “ZAR”: Dance Therapy for Egyptian Women.</span></p> <p>The purpose of this study is to examine one of Egypt's oldest dances, the Zar. This dance is performed for the sole purposes of healing and therapy and is practiced by Moslems, Christians and Jews, in Egypt, the Sudan and Ethiopia where it originated. Dating as far back as the ancient times, the Zar has undergone some minor changes due to the various cultural influences that came through Egypt. Ritual and rhythm remain common aspects in all Zar dances, wherever they are practiced. This paper will present a close look at the Zar's historical and cultural roots, and an analysis of those aspects of the Zar that make it therapeutic. Next, a comparison between the Zar and dance therapy will shed some light on dance therapy's own historical roots. Finally, this paper asks the following questions: what aspects of the Zar can be incorporated in dance therapy, or vice versa, to make both practices more understandable, effective and accessible modalities to the respective populations?</p>"}