Russian Ballet Dancer Vladimir Shklyarov Has Died, Aged 39

Shklyarov danced for the Mariinsky Theater, which announced his death this weekend

The Mariinsky Theater, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, announced that its principal dancer, Vladimir Shklyarov, has passed away.

A representative for the dance company recently told news outlet Fontanka that Shklyarov fell from the fifth floor of a building while on painkillers, which he was taking in preparation for a spinal surgery scheduled for early this week.

Russia’s Investigative Committee, a federal law enforcement agency, began an investigation into the death, according to state-run news agency RIA Novosti.

"This is a huge loss not only for the theater’s staff but for all of today’s ballet art,” the Mariinsky Theater said in a statement. “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,” it continued. “He forever inscribed his name in the history of world ballet art.”

Born in St Petersburg in 1985, Shklyarov graduated from the Academy of Russian Ballet and joined the Mariinsky Theatre right after in 2003. In 2011, he became its principal dancer, the highest-ranking position in a ballet company. He performed in both contemporary and classical productions – including “Swan Lake,” "Romeo and Juliet," "Sleeping Beauty," “Don Quixote,” and “Giselle.”

A recipient of the Léonide Massine International Prize in 2008 and the "Honored Artist of Russia," he performed in international venues including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and the Royal Opera House in London.

(Photo credit: Jack Devant Ballet Photography)