Vladimir Shklyarov, a leading dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, tragically passed away after falling from a fifth-story balcony. The 39-year-old was a renowned performer, known for his roles in productions such as Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty.
The Mariinsky Theatre, where Shklyarov was a principal dancer since 2011, expressed their profound sorrow over his sudden and unexpected death. The company described him as the “favorite of the public” and a “star premier” whose loss is a “huge” one for the theatre and the entire ballet community.
According to reports, the incident is being investigated by federal authorities, and the preliminary cause has been ruled an accident. Shklyarov’s representatives stated that he had been taking painkillers for an injury and was scheduled to undergo spinal surgery. The American Ballet Theatre, where Shklyarov had performed as a guest artist, also paid tribute to the late dancer, describing him as an “extraordinary artist” whose talent and passion inspired audiences worldwide.
