{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">The Symbolic Meaning of the Circle in Relation to Healing in Dance Therapy</span></p> <p>The circle functions as a symbolic and structural form in rituals, art, dance and healing, specifically psychotherapy and dance therapy. As an archetypal image, the circle instills a sense of wholeness and universality and the ensuing well-being that accompanies the feelings of belonging to something greater than ourselves. In this sense circle has significance in the healing of the individual and the community. To prove this premise, examples are provided regarding how the circle has been utilized in healing rites as well as in current psychotherapeutic practices (such as in group process, archetypal psychology and dance therapy). This thesis attempts to illustrate how the circle in ritual has curative effects. Primary in its therapeutic value is that it gives meaning to one's life through the continuous connection with others.</p> <p>Dance alone has great curative potential. As a kinesthetic process it connects one to their emotions and allows cathartic discharge of emotion. One also shares this experience with others in the circle of dance, inducing a feeling of acceptance and commonality with others. The arts, specifically dance are essential in our lives as human beings and they play a paramount role in rituals. Humans have an inherent need for symbolic experience and this experience has intrinsic and extrinsic benefits to the individual and the community. Our role as dance therapists is to create an environment where the individuals feel safe and can begin to feel whole and complete as a separate individual who is functional in their community. Dance therapy obtains great potential for healing due to its utilization of two proven curative means; the circle and the dance. These two elements provide the context for the process of dance therapy which can be akin to ritual, which is also proven to have curative potential.</p>"}