Vladimir Shklyarov, a principal dancer at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, died on November 16, 2024, after falling from the fifth-floor balcony of his apartment. He was 39 years old.
The Mariinsky Theatre confirmed Shklyarov’s death, stating it was “a huge loss for the entire staff of the Mariinsky Theatre.” The theatre noted that Shklyarov had been taking painkillers for a back injury and was scheduled for spinal surgery on November 18.
Russian authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest the fall was accidental.
Born in St. Petersburg in 1985, Shklyarov joined the Mariinsky Theatre in 2003 and became a principal dancer in 2011. His repertoire included lead roles in productions such as “Swan Lake,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Sleeping Beauty,” and “Don Quixote.” He performed internationally, including with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and the Royal Opera House in London.
In 2013, Shklyarov married fellow Mariinsky dancer Maria Shirinkina. The couple had two children.
In March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Shklyarov expressed opposition to “all kinds of military actions” in a now-deleted social media post.
Fellow dancer Irina Baranovskaya commented on the incident, stating that Shklyarov “went out onto the balcony to get some air and smoke” and lost his balance.
The American Ballet Theatre, where Shklyarov performed as a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, described him as “an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences worldwide.”
A memorial service is scheduled at the Mariinsky Theatre, followed by a church service and burial in central St. Petersburg.
