Renowned Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov tragically died at 39 after falling from the fifth-floor balcony of a St. Petersburg building. Shklyarov, the highest-ranking dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre, had been on serious painkillers while awaiting spinal surgery, scheduled just two days after the accident. According to reports, he stepped onto the narrow balcony for fresh air and lost his balance.
Condolences poured in for the celebrated dancer, who was known for his roles in iconic ballets like Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Fellow Mariinsky dancer Diana Vishneva described him as a favorite partner for many ballerinas and praised his unmatched talent, which earned him the title of Honored Artist of Russia in 2020.
Shklyarov, a graduate of the prestigious Vaganova Academy, was also a vocal critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. His advocacy for peace stood as a testament to his courage offstage.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Shirinkina, also a Mariinsky dancer, and their two children. The Mariinsky Theatre called his death a significant loss, and an investigation into the incident has been launched.
