Vladimir Shklyarov, the celebrated Russian ballet dancer and principal dancer at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, tragically passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024, after falling from the fifth floor of a building. He was 39 years old.
According to a spokesperson for the Mariinsky Theatre, Vladimir Shklyarov had been suffering from a back injury and was taking painkillers in preparation for an upcoming spinal surgery, which was scheduled for the following Monday. The cause of death is being investigated, but authorities have stated that it appears to have been an accident.
Vladimir Shklyarov’s death has left the ballet community in mourning. He joined the Mariinsky Theatre in 2003 and was promoted to principal dancer in 2011, becoming one of the most prominent figures in the world of ballet. Throughout his distinguished career, he starred in some of the most famous productions, including Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, and Alice in Wonderland. He performed on prestigious stages around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.
Born in St. Petersburg in 1985, Shklyarov’s artistry and passion for ballet earned him a place in the annals of world-class dance. He married fellow Mariinsky dancer Maria Shirinkina in 2013, and the couple had two children together.
Vladimir Shklyarov’s tragic death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and dancers around the world. Ballerina Irina Baranovskaya described it as “a stupid, unbearable accident,” while fellow Mariinsky dancer Diana Vishneva expressed deep sorrow, calling it a tragedy for their theater and shared grief. The American Ballet Theater, where Shklyarov performed as a guest artist, remembered him as an “extraordinary artist” whose “grace and passion” inspired audiences globally.
In addition to his artistic legacy, Shklyarov was known for his personal stance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which he condemned in a now-deleted Instagram post in March 2022. However, unlike other Russian ballet figures, Shklyarov continued performing in Russia and refrained from making further public comments on the war.
The Mariinsky Theatre has described Shklyarov’s passing as a “huge loss,” with a statement acknowledging his contribution to the history of ballet. He leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled performances, remembered for his elegance, talent, and dedication to his craft.
