In brief
Shklyarov's contributions to ballet and his celebrated performances earned him international recognition.
Vladimir Shklyarov, a highly regarded principal dancer from the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, has tragically passed away at the age of 39. The theater made the announcement but did not disclose the specific circumstances surrounding his death.According to RIA Novosti, a state-run news agency, Russia’s Investigative Committee has initiated an investigation into the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting that it may have been an accident. Shklyarov's impressive career spanned over two decades, during which he performed in prestigious venues such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.Born in Leningrad, Shklyarov graduated from the esteemed Vaganova Ballet Academy in 2003 and joined the Mariinsky immediately after. He earned accolades for his performances in classical productions including "Giselle," "Swan Lake," and "Don Quixote." His career was highlighted by several honors, notably the Léonide Massine International Prize in 2008, and he was recognized as an honored artist of Russia in 2020.Details surrounding his personal life remain sparse, though it has been reported that Shklyarov married fellow dancer Maria Shirinkina in 2012. A former ballerina, Irina Bartnovskaya, mentioned via Telegram that Shklyarov had been recovering from surgery at home when he allegedly fell five stories from a narrow balcony while stepping out for a smoke. While this account reflects reports from various Russian media, it remains unverified.Milana Mazaeva, a journalist focused on Russian society, contributed to this report, shedding light on the impact of Shklyarov's legacy in the dance world.
