Ballet Dancer Vladimir Shklyarov Dead at 39 After Fifth-Floor Fall

Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov died on Saturday, November 16. He was 39.

“Tonight, the public’s favorite, star premier of the Mariinsky Theatre Vladimir Shklyarov tragically died,” a statement on the Mariinsky Theatre’s website reads, which was the company where he danced since 2003. “This is a huge loss not only for the theatre’s staff, but for all of today’s ballet art. Our condolences to the artist’s family, loved ones, friends and all the numerous admirers of his work and talent.”

The message added, “His boundless creative abilities were recognized with numerous awards, but he received his main title — the most valuable for Vladimir — in 2020, becoming an Honored Artist of Russia. An expressive, absolutely inimitable actor and a virtuoso, academically impeccable dancer who can master all styles — this is how Vladimir Shklyarov will be remembered by the audience.”

In the Mariinsky’s statement, Shklyarov was lauded for his “truly vast” repertoire.

“He was equally brilliant in the part of the noble, stately Prince Desire, as well as in the part of the daring, lively Hooligan; equally magnificent in the classics and drama ballet, masterpieces of 20th-century choreography and modern productions,” the note added. “He forever inscribed his name in the history of world ballet art.”

Shklyarov had fallen from the fifth floor of a building, according to local newspaper Fontanka. A preliminary investigation ruled the athlete’s death as an accident.

“Vladimir Shklyarov had a back injury, and a complex spinal surgery was scheduled for Monday, November 18. All this time he was taking serious painkillers,” Anna Kasatkina, who is the head of the Mariinsky Theatre press service, told Fontanka in a statement.

Shklyarov is survived by his wife, fellow Mariinsky dancer Maria Shirinkina, and their two young children. Details about a funeral service have yet to be publicly announced.

Shklyarov had been dancing with the Mariinsky for two decades, joining the company in 2003 after his graduation from the Academy of Russian Ballet. He became a principal dancer in 2011, later starring in productions of Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet and others.

He has also danced with the Metropolitan Opera and the American Ballet Theatre, both in New York.

Many members of the ballet community have addressed Shklyarov’s passing in social media statements.

“Today, we mourn the tragic loss of Vladimir Shklyarov, an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences worldwide,” a message shared to ABT’s Instagram on Saturday read. “Vladimir danced with American Ballet Theatre as a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, leaving an indelible mark on our stage and in our hearts.”

The note concluded, “Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance. Rest in peace, Vladimir. Your light will continue to shine through the beauty you brought to this world.”