Vladimir Shklyarov, a celebrated Russian ballet dancer, tragically passed away on November 16, 2024, after falling from the fifth floor of a building in St. Petersburg. His death was confirmed by the Mariinsky Theater, where he had served as a principal dancer since 2011. The theater expressed deep sorrow over the loss, acknowledging the impact it had on both the team and the ballet world as a whole. Russian authorities have opened an investigation into the incident, which is currently being considered as an accident. The initial findings from emergency services suggest that Shklyarov's death was not due to foul play, as a source stated that he "died a natural death" and it was not a crime.
Shklyarov’s death came just days before he was scheduled for complex spinal surgery, a procedure that had been long anticipated after ongoing issues with his health. Reports indicate that the dancer had been using heavy painkillers to manage his condition, which may have contributed to the tragedy. His passing has deeply affected his colleagues, with fellow principal dancer Diana Vishneva describing it as a "tragedy" for the ballet community. Vishneva shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, recalling how Shklyarov was loved by both his audiences and fellow dancers, especially for his roles as a favorite partner to many ballerinas.
Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Shklyarov studied at the prestigious Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, graduating in 2003. He joined the Mariinsky Theater the same year and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of its leading figures. Throughout his illustrious career, Shklyarov performed in numerous iconic productions such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, and Don Quixote. His exceptional talent also took him to international stages, performing with prestigious companies like the Royal Ballet in London and the American Ballet Theatre in New York. Shklyarov earned several accolades during his career, including the Léonide Massine International Prize in 2008 and the title of Honored Artist of Russia in 2020. He was also outspoken about his anti-war stance during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, publicly supporting peace. Shklyarov leaves behind a wife, fellow dancer Maria Shirinkina, and two children.
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