Tappin' tots.

The National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York, explores the contribution of young dancers in tap dance in its latest exhibition, "Child Performers in Tap Dance (1900-1950)."

"The history of tap dance is not one that has been very well documented in print; much of it is preserved as an oral history," said Jacques Burgering, the exhibition's curator and the museum's artistic director. The exhibition, which runs through December 31, features photos, video footage, memorabilia, and documentation culled from several public and private collections and is part of the museum's yearlong celebration of tap dance, which includes additional exhibitions and programming centered on the art form.

The popular "Classic Black" exhibition, which highlights the struggles of African American dancers between 1930 and 1970 to break into the world of classical dance, has been extended through May 1, 2004. Developed in association with and curated by the Jerome Robbins Dance Division of the New York Public Library, the exhibition chronicles the pioneering efforts of African Americans who, through their formation of dance schools and dance companies and their choreographic contributions, helped create a place for African Americans in classical dance. It showcases photography and costumes from the period, including Judith Jamison's dress from Alvin Ailey's solo Cry.

Established in 1986, The National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame bills itself as the only museum in the nation dedicated to American dance, "for all American professional dance forms from ballet to hip-hop," states Burgering. The hall of fame includes a wide range of dance notables from Busby Berkeley, Jerome Robbins, and Paul Taylor to Edwin Denby, Isadora Duncan, and the Nicholas Brothers. In August, dancer/ choreographer Gene Kelly will be inducted into the hall.

For more information, visit www.dancemuseum.org or call 518.584.2225.