Vladimir Shklyarov: Celebrated Russian Ballet Star Passes Away at 39

Renowned Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov, aged 39, tragically passed away on Saturday, as confirmed by the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, where he served as a principal dancer. The theater has yet to disclose specific details surrounding the circumstances of his death. In response, Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched an inquiry into the incident, which preliminary reports suggest may have been an accident, according to RIA Novosti.Shklyarov spent two decades cultivating a remarkable career, earning acclaim at esteemed venues such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York and London’s Royal Opera House. A native of Leningrad, he graduated from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 2003, a prestigious institution with a rich legacy that has produced luminaries like Natalia Makarova and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Shortly after graduation, Shklyarov joined the Mariinsky Theater, where he starred in celebrated productions including “Swan Lake,” “Don Quixote,” and “Giselle.” His notable contributions to ballet earned him multiple accolades, including the coveted Léonide Massine International Prize in 2008, and he was honored as an artist of Russia in 2020.Details about his family at the time of his passing remain scarce, however, in 2012 Shklyarov married fellow dancer Maria Shirinkina, who has also graced the Mariinsky stage. Former ballerina Irina Bartnovskaya shared on Telegram that Shklyarov had been at home on pain medication in preparation for foot surgery prior to his death. Reports suggest he fell from a narrow balcony, with various sources echoing this claim but lacking definitive verification.As the investigation continues, Shklyarov's legacy as a remarkable artist and an influential figure in the world of dance is assured, remembered through his exceptional performances and dedication to the art form.