Vladimir Shklyarov, one of Russia’s most celebrated ballet stars, tragically passed away at the age of 39 after falling from the fifth floor of a building on November 16. His death occurred while he was taking painkillers in preparation for a scheduled spinal surgery on November 18.
Shklyarov, a principal dancer with the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, had been a part of the renowned company since 2003, after graduating from the Academy of Russian Ballet. He was promoted to principal dancer in 2011, the highest rank in the company. Throughout his 20+ year career, Shklyarov performed in some of ballet’s most iconic productions, including Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and Romeo and Juliet. He also performed at major venues outside Russia, such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Following Shklyarov’s death, Russian authorities launched an investigation into the incident, although preliminary reports suggest that his death was an accident. Per Anna Kasatkina, a representative for the Mariinsky Theatre, Shklyarov had been using strong painkillers due to ongoing back pain prior to the surgery.
Shklyarov’s passing has sent shockwaves through the ballet world. Many colleagues and admirers paid tribute to his legacy. Fellow principal dancer Diana Vishneva expressed her grief, calling it an “unfathomable tragedy.” She described Shklyarov as not just an outstanding performer but also as someone deeply loved by the ballet community. Irina Baranovskaya, another colleague, referred to the incident as “a stupid, unbearable accident,” adding that Shklyarov had stepped onto the balcony to get some fresh air when he lost his balance.
Throughout his career, Shklyarov earned numerous accolades, including the Leonide Massine International Prize in 2008 and the title of Honored Artist of Russia in 2020. He also expressed his political stance by speaking out against the war in Ukraine in 2022, voicing his support for peace.
Shklyarov is survived by his wife, Maria Shirinkina, a fellow Mariinsky dancer, and their two young children. His untimely death has left a significant void in the world of ballet, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of dancers. Many tributes poured in from around the world, highlighting his immense talent and the lasting impact he made on the ballet world.
