Russian ballet prodigy Vladimir Shklyarov tragically passes away following fall from apartment balcony

Vladimir Shklyarov, a principal dancer at the Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg, fell from an apartment block balcony and died at the age of 39. Initial reports suggest the fall was an accident. The Mariinsky Ballet will hold a farewell ceremony and funeral for Shklyarov, who was recognized for his talent worldwide and had received top awards for his artistry. Shklyarov had also danced at the Royal Ballet in London and the Bavarian State Ballet in Munich. Irina Bartnovskaya, a ballet enthusiast, was one of the first to report on Shklyarov’s death, which was captured on CCTV. Shklyarov was reportedly preparing for an operation and went out onto the balcony to rest and smoke before the accident occurred. He was described as someone who loved life, his family, and his audience. Shklyarov had been experiencing severe back, foot, and hip pain, and was divorced from his ballerina wife Maria Shirinkina, a first soloist at the Mariinsky.

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