Alongside its economic prosperity, Shanghai is paying more attention to its cultural development. In recent years the metropolis has built a lot of cultural facilities and theatres, but none exclusively for dance. But that's all about to change as Shanghai's next 5-year plan includes the Hongqiao International Dance Center.

Members of the Shanghai Song & Dance Ensemble are busy rehearsing. In no time, this rehearsal hall will become part of the Hongqiao International Dance Center. In the past, there were no rehearsal halls and dance theatres specialized for dancers. The troupe had to spend a lot renting expensive rehearsal spaces. So naturally, they are looking forward to the completion of the facility.

Zhu Jiejing, chief dancer of Shanghai Song and Dance Ensemble, said, "We can concentrate on art itself and worry less about the rent when the center is built. This center will be a great platform to showcase our creation."

According to the construction plans, the center will cover an area of more than 80-thousand square meters. To fully utilize the new facility, it will house the Shanghai Song & Dance Ensemble, the Shanghai Ballet, and the nearby Shanghai School of Dance.

Tao Tianxing, deputy director of Hongqiao Int'l Dance Center, said, "There are six historical buildings in the construction site and they will all be well preserved. The reason that the center is so large is because we will fully used the underground space."

The Hongqiao International Dance Center has vowed to fully respect the troupes and school rehearsals, performances, and teaching practices, as well as to help foster new talent. The complex will consist of dance theatres, rehearsal halls, museums, and more. The construction schedule is set to begin next year and be completed in 4 year's time.