The nameplate of the Art Education Base of the National Ballet of China in Ningbo is unveiled in the city on Feb 4. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

An art education base of the National Ballet of China settled down in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, the company announced at a news conference in Ningbo on Feb 4.

Wang Yongcai, deputy head of the National Ballet of China, explained the reason why the company launched a base in the city. He said, Chinese culture will experience a qualitative change and the country will have a greater soft power, which he thought is going to impassion more people for art education.

The first art base of the National Ballet of China in Zhejiang is located at Xingjie community, a music-themed commercial area in Jiangbei district of Ningbo.

Courses there will be categorized for people at different ages and with different purposes. Well-trained teachers offer tailor-made courses from basic art to high-level training. In the future, more art courses regarding the ballet will be available to the public.

Chen Minxian, president of Ningbo Musicians Association, said, "It will greatly help improve the quality of art education in Ningbo." The setup of the base is one of Ningbo's major moves to promote art education, which is significant for not just education in Zhejiang but the entire Yangtze River Delta region, added Chen.

The news also excited Fang Bin, general manager of a Ningbo-based cultural company. "The base will serve as a new calling card of Ningbo, following Ningbo Symphony Orchestra, China International Chorus Festival and China Music Industry Park."