The ballet community is immersed in grief over the passing of Vladimir Shklyarov, a towering male dancer whose legacy resonates globally. A principal dancer at the esteemed Mariinsky Theatre, Shklyarov was hailed as an "exceptional artist" whose prowess ignited the admiration of fans worldwide, as echoed in a heartfelt tribute. The announcement of his demise, made by the St. Petersburg-based troupe on Saturday, has prompted a federal investigation, according to Russian media outlets.
Representatives from the Mariinsky revealed to the press that Shklyarov had plunged from the fifth floor of a St. Petersburg building while under the influence of painkillers. "This is an incalculable loss, not merely for the theatre's personnel, but for the entire contemporary ballet sphere," the company lamented in a Saturday statement. "Our deepest sympathies extend to the artist's family, beloved ones, friends, and the vast multitude of admirers who cherished his work and talent."
Shklyarov shared his life with fellow dancer Maria Shklyarov, his spouse, and they raised two children together. Born in Leningrad, he honed his skills at the prestigious Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, graduating in 2003. That same year, he embarked on his journey with the Mariinsky Theatre, ascending to the rank of principal in 2011. Over the course of two decades with the company, he starred in numerous productions such as Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliet. His talents shone on the stages of prestigious venues across the globe, including the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
In 2014 and 2015, Shklyarov guest-starred at the American Ballet Theatre, where upon his passing, the troupe issued a poignant statement mourning their "devastating loss." "We mourn the tragic demise of Vladimir Shklyarov, an extraordinary artist whose elegance and fervor captivated audiences worldwide," they wrote on Instagram. "Your brilliance will forever illuminate the world through the beauty you bestowed upon it."
During his lifetime, Shklyarov garnered numerous accolades, including the Léonide Massine International Prize in 2008, and was honored as an Honoured Artist of Russia in 2020. "He has indelibly etched his name into the annals of world ballet," the Mariinsky Theatre solemnly declared.
