Leading Russian dancer Vladimir Shklyarov, who worked at the Mariinsky Theater in St.Petersburg for more than two decades, died this saturday evening after falling from the fifth floor. He was 39 years old, the theater reported. The ballet soloist also visited Prague at one time. The year before, he criticized the start of the Russian war in Ukraine.
According to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, the circumstances of the death are now being investigated by the Investigative Committee of the russian Federation, which is the national criminal center. “According to the preliminary conclusion, the cause was an accident,” the office said.
The Russian portal Fontanka quotes the spokesperson of the Mariinsky Theatre,according to which Škljarova was awaiting a complex operation in connection with a spinal injury and was taking painkillers. Former dancer Irina Bartnovská published a similar message on the Telegram social network, according to which Shklyarov whent to the balcony to light a fire, slipped and fell. The claim cannot be verified.
Vladimir Škljarov also visited Prague at one time. | Photo: Profimedia.cz
St. Petersburg native Shklyarov graduated from Agrippina Vaganov’s Academy of Russian Ballet in 2003 and joined the Mariinsky Theater the same year, where eight years later he became the youngest first soloist of the ballet company. His repertoire consisted of classic works such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Bayadère and the romantic ballet Giselle, as well as more modern choreography. He has also performed abroad, for example at the New York Metropolitan Opera, the Bavarian State Opera in Munich or the Royal Ballet in London, adds the British BBC.
In 2008, he became the recipient of the award named after the Russian dancer and choreographer Léonido Massin. The Mariinsky Theater claims on its website that of all the awards, Shklyarov most valued the one when he received the title of Meritorious Artist of the Russian Federation in 2020.
Conversely, the institution does not mention how, after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the artist announced through social networks that he was against the war. Tho,Shklyarov remained in Russia and continued to dance in the state theater,unlike Olga Smirnova,the prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow,who left for the Netherlands shortly after the start of the war.
Czechs could also get to know Škljarov,in 2013 he led a workshop for the children’s ballet studio of the National Theater in prague. A year earlier, selected czech cinemas broadcast a production of The Nutcracker from the Mariinsky Theatre, in which he performed.
Video: Weapons Ukraine can’t even dream of. Birch said how Trump can pressure Putin (11/14/2024)
“If Donald Trump decides not to keep his commitments to Ukraine, he will send a signal to other US allies,” says security analyst Vlastislav Bříza. | Video: The Spotlight Team
What was Vladimir Shklyarov’s impact on the ballet community before his passing?
Time.news Interview: A Conversation with Dance Expert Dr. Elena Vetrova on the Tragic Death of Vladimir Shklyarov
Editor (Alexandra): welcome, Dr.Vetrova. Thank you for joining us today. The recent news of Vladimir Shklyarov’s tragic passing has shocked the ballet community and many around the world. As an expert in the field of dance, what are your thoughts on his legacy and impact?
Dr. Vetrova: Thank you for having me, Alexandra. Vladimir Shklyarov was not just a remarkable dancer; he was a beacon of artistry and dedication within the ballet community. His two-decade career at the Mariinsky Theater is a testament to his talent and resilience. He brought a unique blend of technical skill and emotional depth to every performance. His absence will be profoundly felt.
alexandra: Indeed,his performances won him admirers from various corners of the globe. It’s also vital to note the circumstances surrounding his death. Reports indicate it’s being investigated as an accident, but can you comment on how tragic incidents like these affect the artistic community, especially when it involves renowned figures?
dr. Vetrova: Accidents such as this create a ripple effect within the artistic community. They prompt reflection on the pressures faced by artists, including physical and mental health challenges. Shklyarov was reportedly dealing with a spinal injury and awaiting complex surgery, which underscores the hidden struggles many performers endure. It’s crucial for the community to foster a culture that prioritizes mental and physical well-being.
Alexandra: That raises an critically important point. Performance art is frequently enough romanticized, but there is a significant toll it can take on an artist’s body and mind. How do you think the ballet community can better support its members considering these pressures?
Dr. Vetrova: It starts with open dialog and improved access to mental health resources tailored for performers. Training programs shoudl incorporate injury prevention, and also mental health awareness. We need to cultivate an habitat where dancers feel they can speak up about their struggles, knowing they will recieve support rather than stigma.
Alexandra: Speaking of support, before his passing, Shklyarov was also vocal about political issues, particularly the war in Ukraine. How do you see the intersection of politics and the arts in situations like this?
Dr. Vetrova: The arts are inherently political. Artists like Shklyarov use their platforms to express dissent and raise awareness, which can lead to both admiration and backlash.His criticisms of the war reflected a growing sentiment among artists who feel compelled to engage with societal issues thru their work. The arts have the power to influence perceptions and inspire change, even in the face of danger.
Alexandra: That’s a salient point. Shklyarov’s legacy will likely inspire ongoing discussions about the role of artists in society.Moving forward, what do you hope to see in the ballet world, particularly in addressing both artistic expression and the well-being of its performers?
dr. Vetrova: I hope to see a shift toward a more holistic approach in ballet training programs—where artistry and health go hand in hand. We need to honour the tradition of excellence in ballet, but also adapt to modern understanding of health and well-being. Creating policies that protect and support artists, while allowing them to express their views, is vital for the evolution of the dance community.
Alexandra: Thank you, Dr. Vetrova, for sharing your insights during this tough time. It’s crucial to keep these conversations going,not only to honor Vladimir Shklyarov’s memory but also to advocate for a healthier future for dancers everywhere.
Dr. Vetrova: Thank you, Alexandra. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these critically important issues.Let’s hope that Shklyarov’s legacy inspires constructive dialogue and meaningful change within the ballet community.