Who was Vladimir Shklyarov married to? All you need to know as Russian Ballet dancer dies aged 39

Popular Russian Ballet dancer, Vladimir Shklyarov passed away at the age of 39 on November 16, 2024. While friends and family have not confirmed the cause of Vladimir’s death, however, New York Times reported that a former ballerina, Irina Bartnovskaya wrote on Telegram about Shklyarov being at home, and falling from a balcony on the fifth floor.

The ballerina also informed that Vladimir was supposed to undergo surgery for his foot, and due to that he had been on painkillers. However, the publication mentioned that Russia’s Investigative Committee began an investigation and stated that "a preliminary cause of death was an accident."

Former ballerina, Irina Bartnovskaya revealed that Vladimir Shklyarov passed away after falling from the fifth floor. (Image via Telegram)

Furthermore, Mariinsky Theater also released a statement informing the sad passing away of Vladimir Shklyarov and said:

"Tonight, the audience's favorite, the star premier of the Mariinsky Theater, Vladimir Shklyarov, tragically died. This is a huge loss for the entire staff of the Mariinsky Theatre. We offer our condolences to the artist's family, friends and all the numerous fans of his work and talent.”

Vladimir Shklyarov was married to Maria Shirinkina, who is a dancer as well. The couple got married in 2012, and welcomed their first baby, a son, in February 2015. Vladimir became a father for the second time in July 2021, as the couple gave birth to their daughter.

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Vladimir Shklyarov received his training for ballet from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet

Born in February 1985, Vladimir started his career in ballet dancing in 2003, after he received his training from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet. According to his profile on Mariinsky Theater's website, he received a degree from the Mariinsky Ballet, which he joined after he finished his training. Years later, he was made the principal dancer.

A native of Leningrad, Mr. Shklyarov completed his training at the prestigious Vaganova Ballet Academy in 2003. This historic institution, nearly 300 years old, has produced legendary dancers such as Natalia Makarova and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Vladimir Shklyarov was known for his performances in The Awakening of Flora, La Carnaval, Pioneer Suite, The Three King’s Masks, Manon, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet and many more. He was applauded for his act in La Sylphide, which was his first major performance after he joined the world of ballet.

Shklyarov was also presented with many accolades for his talent, as he was named the Honored Artist of Russia in 2020. Moreover, he was awarded the BALLET2000 Prize, the Dance Open International Ballet Prize, and even the Soul of Dance Award in 2008.

Over his 20-year career, Mr. Shklyarov earned worldwide recognition, gracing the stages of renowned venues like the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.

Furthermore, as the popular Ballet dancer passed away, many social media users were left grief-stricken, as tributes began to pour in on the internet. However, his family had not released any statement at the time of publishing this article.

Details are yet to be shared about his funeral and memorial services.