After four years of construction, the Shanghai International Dance Center will officially open its doors on October 1 with Shanghai Ballet’s adaptation of Hamlet.
The show is one of the highly anticipated offerings this month, along with the Derek Deane-choreographed, Shanghai Ballet production of Romeo and Juliet (Oct 5-6) and the Sino-French modern ballet, A Sigh of Love (Oct 8-9).
Acclaimed international groups like Israel’s Batsheva Dance Company, as well as the celebrated Shanghai dancer Ta Yuanyuan (who is a principal with the San Francisco Ballet) have confirmed they will bring shows to the new complex.
Located in Hongqiao, the 39,100-square-meter center covers six historic structures and four new buildings, including the centerpiece new theater that holds 1,080 seats.
A smaller theater will also be on-site and the complex will serve as the home for the Shanghai Ballet, Shanghai Song & Dance Ensemble, Shanghai Dance School and the dance department at Shanghai Theater Academy.
Equipped with cushioned floors, the 48 spacious rehearsal rooms on-site will provide a big boost for local dance groups. Unlike other ballet companies abroad where it’s common for dancers to work into their early 40s, many Chinese dancers must retire during their 30s as a result of injuries.
Built as part of the 12th Five-Year Plan to establish more cultural hubs in Shanghai, the new dance complex is expected to draw more international productions while allowing its resident companies to collaborate with guest dancers, choreographers and dance teachers from abroad.
Hamlet: Oct 1-2, 7.30pm, RMB80-680. Shanghai International Dance Center.
Romeo and Juliet: Oct 5-6, 7.30pm, RMB80-680. Shanghai International Dance Center.
A Sigh of Love: Oct 9-10, 7.30pm, RMB80-480. Shanghai International Dance Center.
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