Renowned ballet star Vladimir Shklyarov dies after fall from 5th-floor balcony in St. Petersburg

Renowned Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov has died at the age of 39 after falling from a 5th-floor balcony in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Mariinsky Theatre, where Shklyarov served as the highest-ranking dancer, confirmed his passing on Saturday, describing the incident as a significant loss for the institution.

Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti reported that an investigation into Shklyarov’s death is underway, with preliminary findings indicating the fall was accidental. Fellow dancer Irina Baranovskaya told The Guardian that Shklyarov had stepped out onto the balcony for air and to smoke but lost his balance on the narrow platform.

The tragedy occurred just days before Shklyarov was scheduled to undergo complex spinal surgery. He had reportedly been on "serious painkillers" leading up to the incident, according to the Mariinsky Theatre.

Diana Vishneva, a principal dancer at the Mariinsky, paid tribute on Instagram, calling his death a "tragedy" and remembering Shklyarov as a favorite partner among ballerinas. Shklyarov graduated from the prestigious Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet and performed in iconic productions such as Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. In 2020, he was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Russia.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Shklyarov was a vocal advocate against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He is survived by his wife, fellow dancer Maria Shirinkina, and their two children.