Vladimir Shklyarov, a celebrated principal dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre, has passed away at 39 after a tragic accident. Known for his exceptional talent, he graced stages worldwide and left an indelible mark on ballet. His untimely death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the global ballet community.
- Shklyarov's sudden passing shocks the ballet world
- An investigation has a preliminary ruling as accidental
- Tributes pour in now from global ballet communities
Shklyarov's Illustrious Career
Vladimir Shklyarov, an esteemed figure in the ballet world, has died at the age of 39. The Russian dancer fell from the fifth floor of a building, as confirmed by Anna Kasatkina of the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg.
The tragic incident occurred on November 16, while Shklyarov was under the influence of painkillers in preparation for an upcoming spinal surgery. Authorities have launched a federal investigation, with the preliminary cause of death being deemed an accident.
Shklyarov's career began in 2003 when he joined the Mariinsky Theatre after graduating from the Academy of Russian Ballet. His dedication and talent quickly propelled him to the position of principal dancer in 2011. Over his two-decade-long career, he performed in iconic productions such as 'The Sleeping Beauty,' 'Swan Lake,' and 'Romeo and Juliet.'
Shklyarov's artistry was not confined to Russia; he also graced stages at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The news of Shklyarov's death has elicited heartfelt tributes from the global ballet community. The Mariinsky Theatre expressed profound sorrow, stating, "This is a huge loss not only for the theater's staff, but for all of today's ballet art."
Fellow dancer Irina Baranovskaya described the incident as "a stupid, unbearable accident," while American Ballet Theater paid homage on Instagram, saying, "Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance."
Diana Vishneva, another Mariinsky Theatre dancer, shared her grief on social media, emphasizing the tragedy's impact on the theatre and the void left by Shklyarov's untimely passing.
The controversy
In 2022 Shklyarov had issued a powerful critique of Putin's war in Ukraine. He had posted: “Friends! I am against the war in Ukraine! “I am for the people, for a peaceful sky above our heads.
“Politicians should be able to negotiate without shooting and killing civilians, for this they were given a tongue and a head.
“My grandfather, Anatoly Filimonovich, graduated from school in Ukraine with a gold medal, my great-grandmother Sonya lived her whole life in Kyiv. “It is impossible to watch everything that is happening today without tears...I want to dance...I want to love everyone - that is the purpose of my life...I do not want wars or borders. Vladimir Shklyarov.”
Many are now suspecting political foul play as well. And that's because it follows the event last week, where a London-based Russian chef and Putin critic died mysteriously aged 52. Alexei Zimin, who ran the Zima restaurant and media organisation in Soho, was found dead in Serbia, with no reason given for his death.
Relatives said he had not been ill.
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What a sad turn of events, in any case!
A Mariinsky dancer, Diana Vishneva, wrote: “This tragedy brings only tears and sadnesss … This is the tragedy for our theatre, our common grief, feeling of emptiness. You were the favourite partner … My beautiful Romeo, my brave Prince in Cinderella.”
