The Shanghai International Dance Center will open to the public on October 1 with a balletic presentation of "Hamlet."
The facility, which is comprised of both theaters and rehearsal rooms, is expected to become a major center for training, performances and exhibitions.
The center is in Hongqiao of Changning District, where many local dance organizations used to be located, including the well-known Shanghai Ballet and Shanghai Song & Dance Ensemble.
Complementing the center's six historic structures, four new buildings have been added since work on the project began in 2012.
Dancers with Shanghai Ballet and Shanghai Song & Dance Ensemble, as well as students at Shanghai Dance School and the dance department at Shanghai Theater Academy, have toured the new facility.
"The young dancers were all excited when they saw the huge rehearsal room with its tailored spring floor. They could not help dancing on it the moment they stepped inside," said Xin Lili, president of Shanghai Ballet, adding that the spring floor will protect the dancers from injury.
Some older members of the city's dance community were also impressed with the modern facilities. Chen Jianian, vice president of Shanghai Dance School, said the rehearsal rooms were only about half the size when he studied dance there in the 1970s, making practicing some moves a challenge.
"The big rehearsal room we have now can allow students to do more than 30 somersaults continuously," said Chen.
The Shanghai Ballet, Shanghai Song & Dance Ensemble, Shanghai Dance School and the dance department at Shanghai Theater Academy, which will be housed there, will have free access to rehearsal rooms and facilities for education and training. They will also be given a special rate for using the theaters for their performances.
