Renowned Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov has tragically died at the age of 39 after falling from a fifth-story building in St. Petersburg. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred while Shklyarov was reportedly on painkillers in preparation for a spinal surgery scheduled for November 18.
According to Russian news agency RIA Novosti, the preliminary cause of Shklyarov’s death has been ruled an accident. However, a federal investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding his fall. Shklyarov’s body was discovered on the ground beneath his home on Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment.
Shklyarov was among the world’s premier ballet dancers having performed at iconic venues such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.
Shklyarov’s death was confirmed on Saturday by his dance company, the prestigious Mariinsky Theater. In a heartfelt statement, the theatre mourned the loss of one of the world’s finest ballet dancers, the theatre company said, “This is a huge loss not only for the theatre’s staff but for all of today’s ballet art. Our condolences to the artist’s family, loved ones, friends and all the numerous admirers of his work and talent. His boundless creative abilities were recognized with numerous awards. He forever inscribed his name in the history of world ballet art.”
In 2022, he spoke out against Russia’s war in Ukraine. He emphasised his deep personal connection to Ukraine, referencing his grandfather’s Ukrainian roots and his great-grandmother’s life in Kyiv.
He shared his connection to the country, saying:
“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,” he continued.
“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.”
(With inputs from agencies)