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On November 16, Russian ballerina Vladimir Shklyarov died after falling fatally from a building's fifth-floor balcony in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The news of the 39-year-old's passing was first announced by the Mariinsky Theatre, where Shklyarov was the top-ranked ballerina.
In a post on Nov. 16, the Mariinsky Theater's official account stated, "This is a huge loss for the entire staff of the theater." "We offer our condolences to the artist's family, friends, and all of his devoted followers."
According to The Guardian, theater spokesperson Anna Kasatkina told the news outlet Fontanka that Shklyarov had been taking pain medication for an injury and was set to have spinal surgery on November 18.
The dancer's death has been the subject of a federal investigation, but according to Russian news agency RIA Novosti, "the preliminary cause" was determined to be an accident.
On Telegram, Irina Baranovskaya, who was present when he passed away, described the tragedy as "a stupid, unbearable accident."
According to The Guardian, Baranovskaya claimed that Shklyarov "lost his balance" on the "very narrow balcony" after he "went out onto the balcony to get some air and smoke."
On November 21, the Mariinsky Theater announced a civic memorial service in Shklyarov's honor on the theater's historic stage, followed by a burial ceremony and church memorial service.
Shklyarov joined the Mariinsky Theatre in 2003 and was promoted to principal dancer in 2011. He and his wife, fellow dancer Maria Shirinkina, had two children together. Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and Alice and Wonderland were among the shows he starred in.
The American Ballet Theatre, where Shklyarov performed as a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, also paid tribute to the late performer.
On November 17, the company's Instagram account posted, "Today, we mourn the tragic loss of Vladimir Shklyarov, an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences worldwide," adding that he left "an indelible mark on our stage and in our hearts."
On her own account, Diana Vishneva, another principal dancer, also offered a heartfelt tribute.
She wrote, "It is hard to understand how premature and unjust you died." "This is our theater's tragedy, our shared sorrow, and our sense of emptiness. You shared your warmth and lightness in a charming and lighthearted manner. You always brought happiness and smiles with you.
