The funeral of the famous Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov, who died on Saturday November 16, 2024 in Saint Petersburg at only 39 years old, will take place this Thursday, November 21, 2024, his theater, the Mariinsky, announced on Monday.
The famous theater of the former Russian imperial capital did not explain the reasons for the sudden disappearance of this young popular dancer, announcing his “tragic death, a huge loss not only for the theater staff but for all contemporary ballet”.
The theater's press service only clarified that the artist was scheduled for spinal surgery on Monday and was taking painkillers to relieve back pain.
Fell from the balcony?
But, several Russian media point out, the dancer had problems with alcohol and drug addiction. Locked up at home by his relatives, he fell from the balcony of his apartment located on the 5th floor, regional channel 5-tv.ru understands, citing “an informed source”.
According to the Ria Novosti news agency, investigators are favoring the trail of “the accident”.
The funeral ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in the Mariinsky Hall, then at the Nikolskaya Cathedral and will end at the Smolenskoye cemetery in Saint Petersburg, the theater explained.
Prestigious distinctions
Became “First Dancer” at the Mariinski in 2011, Vladimir Shklyarov, who had the leading role in the successful ballets “The Nutcracker”, “Sleeping Beauty” or “Giselle”, had received several other prestigious distinctions during his career, including the Léonide Massine international prize in 2008.
In the past, Vladimir Shklyarov has also performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.
Appointed “Honorary Artist of Russia” in 2020, he will be part “forever (of) the history of world ballet”according to the press release issued by the Mariinsky theater.
