Russian ballet star Vladimir Shklyarov has died, aged 39

On By Littum

The ballet world is mourning the death of Vladimir Shklyarov, one of its leading male dancers.

Shklyarov, principal of the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre, was an “extraordinary artist” who inspired fans around the world, a tribute said.

His death, which was announced by the company St. Petersburg on Saturday, is being investigated by federal authorities, according to Russian media.

Mariinsky representatives told the media that he had fallen from the fifth floor of a building in St. Petersburg while on pain medication.

“This is a great loss not only for the staff of the theater but for all of modern ballet,” the company said in a statement on Saturday.

“Our condolences to the artist’s family, loved ones, friends and all the many admirers of his work and talent.”

Shklyarov was married to ballroom dancer Maria Shklyarov, with whom he had two children.

Born in Leningrad, he studied at the famous Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, graduating in 2003.

He joined the Mariinsky Theater in the same year and became principal in 2011.

Over 20 years with the company, he danced leading roles across several productions, including Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet.

He performed at prestigious venues around the world, including the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

In 2014 and 2015 he appeared as a guest artist at the American Ballet Theatre. The company issued a statement on Sunday mourning his “tragic loss”.

“We mourn the tragic loss of Vladimir Shklyarov, an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences around the world.

“Your light will continue to shine through the beauty you brought into this world,” the company wrote on Instagram.

Shklyarov received numerous accolades during his lifetime, including the Léonide Massine International Prize in 2008. He was also named an Honored Artist of Russia in 2020.

“He has forever inscribed his name in the history of world ballet,” the Mariinsky Theater said.