In brief
Renowned Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov has died at the age of 39, prompting an investigation into the cause of his death, which is preliminarily deemed an accident. A distinguished performer, Shklyarov's contributions to ballet were celebrated globally, making his unexpected passing a significant loss.
Vladimir Shklyarov, one of the most celebrated male ballet dancers in the world, tragically passed away on Saturday night. The Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, where he was a principal dancer, confirmed his death but did not disclose details regarding the circumstances.According to RIA Novosti, a state-run news agency, Russia's Investigative Committee has launched an inquiry into Shklyarov's death, with early reports suggesting it was an accident. As of now, the exact details remain unclear.Shklyarov, who was 39 years old at the time of his death, had a stellar career spanning over two decades. He graced stages worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London. Born in Leningrad, he graduated from the illustrious Vaganova Ballet Academy in 2003, an institution known for producing legendary dancers.He quickly joined the Mariinsky Theatre, where he showcased his talent in a range of classical and contemporary ballets such as “Swan Lake,” “Don Quixote,” and “Giselle.” His career included numerous accolades, with one of the highlights being the Léonide Massine International Prize in 2008, while he cherished his recognition as an honored artist of Russia in 2020.Details surrounding his passing suggest he had been recuperating from an injury at home and was awaiting foot surgery. Reports indicate that Shklyarov fell from a narrow balcony while outside for a cigarette, a tragic event described by former ballerina Irina Bartnovskaya as a “stupid, unbearable accident.” However, this information remains unverified.Shklyarov is survived by his wife, Maria Shirinkina, who is also a dancer with the Mariinsky Theater. As the ballet community reflects on his legacy, his impact on the art form will be remembered for generations to come.
