A principal star has ceased in the Ballet industry. On Nov. 16, world-renowned ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov passed at age 39. According to the world-renown Mariinsky Theatre company, Shklyarov had accidentally fallen off the stairs after having been on painkillers due to a spinal surgery that he was scheduled to undergo the next week.
Born 1985 in St Petersburg, Shklyarov began his ballet career at the Mariinsky Theatre in 2003. Throughout his 20-year career, he has starred in a wide range of productions including “Romeo and Juliet”, a Shakespearean play on the forbidden love of a young couple, and “Don Quixote”. In 2011, he receieved the honor of being named the company’s principal dancer– the title of the highest honor.
“As someone who has similar interests as him, his death saddens me,” Yunmi Ishida (9), student ballet dancer, said. “The fact that his death remains a mystery is also concerning to me.”
The news of his passing brought shock to the public as his death had not been anticipated. Many raised speculations about the cause: alcohol addictions or even the interference of the Russian government. The theory of government interference rose to prominence with many citing his previous public opposition towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government during Russia’s war with Ukraine. Notably, Shkylarov criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by stating how he opposes “all kinds of military actions” in a 2022 Instagram post.
“Similar incidents happened before,” Hyo Young Nam, news observer, said. “Whether it is true or not, the conspiracy theory [of the government’s involvement in people’s death] has been existing for quite some time. I think it’s unfortunate that these things are still happening.”
Despite the controversy, many of his colleagues at the Mariinsky Theatre paid tribute to his life and career. Mariinsky ballet dancer Diana Vishneva stated that the death was a “tragedy” that “brings only tears and sadness,” adding to commemorate Shyklarov by calling him “the favourite partner… my beautiful Romeo, my brave Prince in Cinderella.”
Shkylarov’s funeral was held in St Petersburg on Nov. 21.
