Vladimir Shklyarov, a renowned Russian ballet dancer, tragically passed away on November 16, 2024, at the age of 39. The Mariinsky Theatre confirmed his death, stating he fell from the fifth floor of a St. Petersburg building while under the influence of painkillers.
As a principal dancer at the esteemed Mariinsky Theatre, Shklyarov was recognized globally for his exceptional talent. His repertoire included iconic roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, and The Sleeping Beauty .
The ballet community mourns the loss of this extraordinary artist, with the Mariinsky Theatre describing his passing as “a huge loss not only for the theatre’s staff but for all of contemporary ballet”.
Shklyarov is survived by his wife, Maria Shirinkina, also a dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre, and their two children ¹. Throughout his illustrious career, he received numerous awards, including the Honored Artist of Russia in 2020.
