Russian ballet star Vladimir Shklyarov dies at 39

The world of ballet is grieving the sudden loss of Vladimir Shklyarov, a celebrated principal dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Shklyarov, known for his artistry and passion, passed away at the age of 39, leaving a profound impact on the ballet community.

Shklyarov’s death was confirmed by the Mariinsky Theatre on Saturday, with reports indicating that the dancer tragically fell from the fifth floor of a building in St. Petersburg while under the influence of painkillers. Russian authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, though details remain scarce. In a statement, the Mariinsky Theatre expressed deep sorrow at the loss of one of its most gifted dancers, describing him as an “extraordinary artist” whose legacy will live on in the world of contemporary ballet.

“This is a huge loss not only for the theatre’s staff but for all of contemporary ballet,” the statement read. “Our condolences to the artist’s family, loved ones, friends, and all the numerous admirers of his work and talent.” Shklyarov was married to fellow Mariinsky dancer Maria Shklyarov, with whom he had two children. His passing has left the ballet community in shock and mourning.

Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1984, Shklyarov showed a remarkable aptitude for dance from a young age. He studied at the prestigious Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, one of the most esteemed ballet schools in the world, and graduated in 2003. That same year, he joined the Mariinsky Theatre, where he would go on to spend his entire professional career. Shklyarov rose through the ranks and was named principal dancer in 2011, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistry.

Throughout his 20-year career at the Mariinsky, Shklyarov performed leading roles in some of the most iconic ballets in the classical repertoire. His performances in productions like Giselle, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and Romeo and Juliet earned him widespread acclaim and admiration. His technical precision, emotional depth, and ability to bring characters to life on stage made him a favorite among audiences worldwide.

Shklyarov’s talent was not confined to Russia alone. He performed at renowned venues across the globe, including the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. In addition, he appeared as a guest artist with the American Ballet Theatre in 2014 and 2015, further solidifying his international reputation. The American Ballet Theatre issued a statement on Sunday expressing its sorrow over his untimely passing. “We mourn the tragic loss of Vladimir Shklyarov, an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences worldwide,” the company wrote on Instagram. “Your light will continue to shine through the beauty you brought to this world.”

Shklyarov was widely recognized for his artistic contributions, receiving numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2008, he was awarded the Léonide Massine International Prize for his outstanding achievements in dance. In 2020, he was named an Honoured Artist of Russia, one of the country’s highest cultural honors. The Mariinsky Theatre paid tribute to Shklyarov, noting that he had “forever inscribed his name in the history of world ballet,” and praised his unparalleled influence on the art form.

Despite his fame and success, Shklyarov remained grounded and dedicated to his craft. His colleagues remember him as a humble and deeply passionate dancer, always striving for perfection both in rehearsal and on stage. His loss is not only a personal tragedy for his family and friends but also a profound moment of grief for the ballet world, which has lost one of its brightest stars.

As the ballet community mourns his passing, Shklyarov’s legacy will continue to inspire dancers and audiences alike. His remarkable artistry, devotion to his art, and contributions to the world of ballet will ensure that he is remembered for generations to come.