Vladimir Shklyarov, Russian ballet star, dies aged 39 after falling from building

Renowned Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov has tragically passed away at the age of 39 after falling from the fifth floor of a building.

The Mariinsky Theater, where Shklyarov was a principal dancer, announced his death on Saturday, November 16, calling it “a tremendous loss not only for the theater but for the entire world of ballet.” In a heartfelt statement, they extended condolences to his family, friends, and admirers, adding, “His remarkable talent and creativity earned him countless accolades, securing his place in the history of global ballet art.”

Although the theater’s initial announcement did not specify a cause, Anna Kasatkina, a theater representative, later revealed that Shklyarov had been on painkillers in preparation for a complex spinal surgery planned for November 18. He reportedly fell from a fifth-story window, with the preliminary cause of death being ruled an accident. An investigation is ongoing, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

Born in Saint Petersburg in 1985, Shklyarov graduated from the Academy of Russian Ballet and joined the Mariinsky Theater in 2003. By 2011, he was promoted to principal dancer, earning international acclaim for his performances in iconic productions like La Sylphide, Giselle, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and Romeo and Juliet.

Beyond the Mariinsky, Shklyarov graced stages worldwide, including the American Ballet Theater, the Royal Opera House, the Kennedy Center, and the Metropolitan Opera. The American Ballet Theater paid tribute to him, stating that his artistry left “an indelible mark on our stage and in our hearts.”

Shklyarov is survived by his wife, fellow ballerina Maria Shklyarova, and their two young children.

Music by Yevhen Onoychenko from Pixabay