Scope and arrangement
The Donald Eno Washington papers reflect personal and professional aspects of this dancer and choreographer. Neither series contains many letters or supporting documentation he prepared for his professional activities. The Personal series includes correspondence with his wife and sons and numerous personal letters from his many friends, many of which discuss his dancing and ability to teach and perform. Other papers deal with his health problems, including complications resulting from AIDS. The Professional series is comprised of Washington's resumes and incoming letters pertaining to his performances and teaching schedules. His journeys to Africa in the early 1980s are documented by diaries he maintained during his trips. The collection also encompasses papers he wrote about African dance, such as the dance of ancient Mali and its contemporary manisfestations in the United States; manuscripts and notes for his autobiography, Dance on the Wind; his notes on African religion, songs, and philosophy; and articles written by other researchers. The collection also includes programs and flyers, a scrapbook, and news clippings and articles, primarily referring to Washington.
The Donald Eno Washington papers and additions are arranged in three series:
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1968-2000
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1968-2006
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1982-2015