Vladimir Shklyarov, the world-renowned Russian ballet dancer, tragically died after falling from the fifth floor of a building on Saturday. The acclaimed artist had previously made headlines for publicly opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, where Shklyarov held a prominent position, confirmed his passing, expressing deep sorrow. “This is a huge loss for the entire Mariinsky Theatre team,” they said.
Russian authorities have launched an investigation, with initial reports suggesting the fall was accidental, according to RIA Novosti. A source from emergency services added, “He died a natural death. It’s not a crime.”
Shklyarov was scheduled for complex spinal surgery just two days before his death and had been relying on strong painkillers for some time.
Born in St. Petersburg, Shklyarov graduated from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in 2003 and joined the Mariinsky Theatre that same year. By 2011, he was appointed principal dancer, the highest rank within the company. Over his 20+ year career, Shklyarov performed in iconic productions like “Swan Lake,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Don Quixote,” and also danced with prestigious international companies, including London’s Royal Ballet and New York’s American Ballet Theatre.
Shklyarov received numerous awards, including the Leonide Massine International Prize in 2008, and was named an Honored Artist of Russia in 2020. He was also a vocal critic of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, with his sentiments quoted by former dancer Alexei Ratmansky: “I am against the war in Ukraine! I am for the people, for a peaceful sky above our heads!”
The ballet star was married to fellow Mariinsky Theatre dancer Maria Shirinkina and had two children.
The Mariinsky Theatre expressed grief in a tribute, stating, “We mourn the tragic loss of Vladimir Shklyarov, an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences worldwide. Your light will continue to shine through the beauty you brought to this world.” They added, “He forever inscribed his name in the history of world ballet.”