Prepare a will with professional help.

Place the documentation of your work in an archive. Many documentation materials, such as videotapes, are fragile and professional archives have expertise in caring for these materials.

Some other general points to consider:

• Begin planning early, no matter what your current health may be.
• Make a will with the professional assistance of a private counsel or a service organization.
• When making a will, remember artists' estates are unique and have special concerns.
• Find a person who is sympathetic to your work and knowledgeable in your field to be responsible for your work.
• Friends and family may not be informed enough to make decisions about your art.
• Document your work and make a complete inventory list.
• Make the bequests in your will as specific as possible to avoid confusion and delays.
• Speak frankly with your family about your wishes to avoid unnecessary contests.
• Consider having your work archived. This will increase its accessibility and help give a comprehensive view of the history of dance.
• Contact any cultural institution or archive to which you wish to leave a bequest to ascertain if it will be accepted.