The renowned Russian dancer Vladimir Shklyarov He died at the age of 39 after falling from the fifth floor of a building on Saturday, according to Mariinsky Theater spokesperson Anna Kasatkina over the weekend.
In several Russian media, Kasatkina explained that Shklyarov was taking pain relievers due to a back injury and had a scheduled spine surgery for this Monday. Although a federal investigation has been launched into his death, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that the preliminary cause has been classified as a accident.
Born in Saint Petersburg in 1985, Shklyarov joined the Mariinsky Theater in 2003, where in 2011 he reached the main dancer positionthe highest rank in a ballet company. His death was described by the institution as “an enormous loss.”
“Our condolences to the family, loved ones, friends and all the numerous admirers of his work and talent… he forever inscribed his name in the history of world ballet,” the Mariinsky Theater said in a statement.
Throughout his 20-year career, Shklyarov starred in emblematic productions such as ‘Swan Lake’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘Don Quixote’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’ by Christopher Wheeldon. He performed on international stages such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.
The Royal Ballet is deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Vladimir Shklyarov. We remember his time performing with the Company as a guest artist and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Photo: Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon, 2018. Photograph by Sasha Gouliaev pic.twitter.com/h7T63ds0Ry
— Royal Ballet and Opera (@rbo_org) November 16, 2024
After hearing the news, Russian dancers they paid tribute to Shklyarov. Diana Vishneva, a dancer at the Mariinsky, said: “This tragedy only brings tears and sadness… It is a tragedy for our theater, our shared grief, a feeling of emptiness.” She remembered Shklyarov as “her beautiful Romeo” and “her brave prince in ‘Cinderella’.”
The American Ballet Theater, where Shklyarov was a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, honored him on Instagram, describing him as “an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences around the world.” «Rest in peace, Vladimir. Your light will continue to shine through the beauty you brought to this world,” the message concluded.
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