Annie Walton Doyle
One of the world’s top male ballet stars has tragically died aged 39.
Vladimir Shklyarov, from Russia, was considered one of the most talented dancers of his generation.
He starred in lead roles in some of ballet’s most iconic productions, including Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliet.
The St. Petersburg company confirmed Shklyarov’s death in a statement.
It read, per Newsweek: “It is with profound sadness that the Mariinsky Theatre announces the untimely passing of principal dancer Vladimir Shklyarov.
“Mr Shklyarov, a beloved artist and audience favorite, died tragically on 16 November. His loss is deeply felt by the entire Mariinsky family and the wider ballet world.”
Following confirmation of Shklyarov’s death, tributes are pouring in on social media.
In a touching Instagram post, Mariinsky Theatre dancer Diana Vishneva wrote: “This tragedy brings only tears and sadness… This is the tragedy for our theatre, our common grief, a feeling of emptiness.
“You were light-hearted, and charming, sharing your warmness and light. You always brought with you smiles and joy. You searched for new things, reached new people, new art, and experience.”
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The Russian star began his journey in ballet at an early age and was a principal dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre before his death.
He and his wife, fellow dancer Maria Shirinkina, were often regarded as one of the ballet world’s most prominent power couples.
Shklyarov was reportedly an outspoken critic of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
He allegedly took to Facebook in 2022 and wrote in a now-deleted post (via New York Post): “Friends! I am against the war in Ukraine! I am for the people, for a peaceful sky above our heads.
“Politicians should be able to negotiate without shooting and killing civilians, for this they were given a tongue and a head.”
While his condemnation was clear, Shklyarov took a different path from Olga Smirnova, the Bolshoi Ballet star who left Russia to settle in Europe after the invasion, per the BBC.
Unlike Smirnova, Shklyarov remained in Russia and continued his performances, choosing not to make further public statements on the war.
Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Shklyarov’s death, although a preliminary investigation suggests it was likely an accident.
Mariinsky representatives say Shklyarov tragically fell from the balcony of his fifth-floor apartment at the weekend.
A spokesperson for the Mariinsky Theatre told Sky News the dancer had a back injury at the time and was due to undergo ‘complicated spinal surgery.’ He was reportedly ‘taking serious pain medication.’
In a post on Telegram, former ballerina Irina Bartnovskaya said: “He went out onto the balcony to get some air and smoke, lost his balance (a very narrow balcony) and fell down (from the 5th floor).
“Stupid, unbearable accident.”
Vladimir Shklyarov is survived by his wife and two young children.
Watch one of Vladimir Shklyarov’s performances below…
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