Popular Ballet Star Passed Away at 39

The ballet world is mourning the tragic loss of Vladimir Shklyarov, an acclaimed Russian dancer, who died at just 39. Shklyarov, a principal dancer at the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 16, after falling from the fifth floor of a building.

According to Anna Kasatkina, a representative for the Mariinsky Theatre, the incident occurred while Shklyarov was on painkillers in preparation for spinal surgery scheduled for Nov. 18. Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that the fall was preliminarily ruled an accident, though a federal investigation has been launched.

Fellow dancer Irina Baranovskaya, sharing details on Telegram, called Shklyarov’s death “a stupid, unbearable accident,” explaining that he “went out onto the balcony to get some air and smoke” but tragically “lost his balance.”

Shklyarov’s contributions to ballet were monumental. He joined the Mariinsky Theatre in 2003 after graduating from the Academy of Russian Ballet, ascending to the role of principal dancer in 2011. In its tribute, the Mariinsky Theatre described his death as “a huge loss not only for the theater’s staff but for all of today’s ballet art.”

The statement continued, “His boundless creative abilities were recognized with numerous awards. He forever inscribed his name in the history of world ballet art.”

Shklyarov’s illustrious career spanned over two decades and included starring roles in iconic productions such as The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and Romeo and Juliet. His talent transcended borders, as he performed with institutions like the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, the Royal Opera House in London, and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Shklyarov’s passing has left a profound impact on the global ballet community. The American Ballet Theater, where he was a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: “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.”

Diana Vishneva, a fellow Mariinsky Theatre dancer, expressed her grief on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Volodya, it is impossible to comprehend how early and unfairly you passed away,” she wrote. “This is the tragedy for our theatre, our common grief, [a] feeling of emptiness.”

Beyond the stage, Shklyarov was a devoted husband to ballet dancer Maria Shirinkina and a father to their two children. The Mariinsky Theatre extended its condolences to his loved ones in a statement, adding, “Our condolences to the artist’s family, loved ones, friends, and all the numerous admirers of his work and talent.”

As the ballet world remembers his extraordinary talent and artistry, the loss of Vladimir Shklyarov serves as a poignant reminder of how fleeting life can be. His legacy, however, will endure in the performances and memories he left behind.