Russian Ballet Star Vladimir Shklyarov Dead at 39 After Balcony Fall

As a devoted admirer of ballet, I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of the prodigious Vladimir Shklyarov. His grace, passion, and artistry transcended the stage, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of countless spectators worldwide.


The dance community has lost a beloved member.

Sadly, renowned Russian ballet dancer, Vladimir Shklyarov, has passed away due to a tragic fall from a fifth-story balcony in St. Petersburg, Russia, on November 16th.

Initially, it was the Mariinsky Theatre, where Shklyarov held the esteemed position of principal ballerina, that announced her passing at the age of 39.

The Mariinsky Theater’s official account shared on November 16th that this is a significant sorrow for our entire team. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the artist’s family, friends, and all those who admired his work and skills.

Anna Kasatkina, a representative from the theater, informed news outlet Fontanka (as reported by The Guardian) that Shklyarov had been administering painkillers due to an injury for which he was set to have spinal surgery on November 18.

An investigation by federal authorities has begun regarding the dancer’s demise; however, they have determined that the initial reason behind it was unfortunately an accident, as stated by the Russian media source RIA Novosti.

Irina Baranovskaya, who was present when he passed away, described the incident as a “stupid, intolerable accident” in a post on Telegram.

According to Baranovskaya, Shklyarov stepped outside onto the narrow balcony for a breath of fresh air and a cigarette. Unfortunately, he lost his footing on this slender ledge. This account comes from The Guardian.

On November 21st, the Mariinsky Theater will be holding a public tribute for Shklyarov on its historical stage, followed by a religious memorial service and burial ceremony.

Shklyarov—who shared two children with wife and fellow dancer Maria Shirinkina—joined the Mariinsky Theatre in 2003 and became the principal dancer in 2011. He starred in productions of Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and Alice and Wonderland.

In 2014 and 2015, when Shklyarov was a guest artist with the American Ballet Theatre, the company also honored his memory after his passing.

Today, we deeply lament the sad demise of Vladimir Shklyarov, a remarkable artist whose elegance and fervor captivated audiences globally. In remembrance, his influence and impact on our stage and within our hearts will forever be etched.

Fellow principal dancer Diana Vishneva also shared a heartfelt tribute on her own account.

She expressed that it’s hard to understand how early and unjustly you left us, she wrote. This is the sorrow we share in our theater, a collective grief and emptiness. You were known for your cheerful spirit and charm, radiating warmth and brightness wherever you went. You always seemed to bring smiles and joy along with you.

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2024-11-18 19:47