Vladimir Shklyarov, the principal dancer of Russiahis prestigious Mariinsky Ballet Theater, died at the age of 39 after a fall from a building on the fifth floor. Russian authorities have launched a federal investigation, with preliminary findings pointing to an accidental death, according to the report RIA Novosti on The Guardian.

The incident happened on Saturday, a few days before Shklyarov’s scheduled spine surgery. A spokeswoman for the Mariinsky, Anna Kasatkina, confirmed to the news outlet Fontanka that the dancer was using painkillers for a back injury. Fellow dancer Irina Baranovskaya said via Telegram that Shklyarov “went out on the balcony to get some air and smoke” and “lost his balance” on the “very narrow balcony”.

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Born in St. Petersburg in 1985, Shklyarov joined the Mariinsky in 2003, rising to the rank of principal dancer in 2011. His two-decade career has included performances of Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping beauty, Don Quixoteand of Christopher Wheeldon Alice in Wonderland. He has also appeared as a guest artist at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London.

Shklyarov captivated audiences at California’s Segerstrom Center for the Arts as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake in 2012. Dance critic Laura Bleiberg praised “His big jets just hanging there and explosive beats,” noting that “his amazement at finding 32 perfectly synchronized swan women rubbed off on us, too.” She added that “with this level of commitment, the two leaders made a strong and spontaneous connection.”

In March 2022, Shklyarov wrote on Instagram via The Guardian“It is impossible to watch everything that is happening today without tears,” declaring his opposition to “all kinds of military actions” regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Unlike some colleagues who left Russia, including Bolshoi Ballet star Olga Smirnova, who fled to Europe, Shklyarov continued to perform there while avoiding further political commentary.

The Mariinsky Theater praised his artistry, stating that his performances “were characterized by impeccable technique, dramatic intensity and an innate musicality that made him a true artist of the stage.” The company called his death “a huge loss”, adding that he had “forever etched his name in the history of world ballet”.

Fellow dancers expressed their grief, including Diana Vishneva, who he wrote: “This tragedy brings only tears and sadness… This is the tragedy of our theater, our common pain, the feeling of emptiness… You were the favorite partner… My handsome Romeo, my brave Prince in Cinderella.”

American Ballet Theatre, where Shklyarov performed as a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, she remembered him as “an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences around the world,” adding, “Your light will continue to shine through the beauty you brought to this world.”

Named an Honored Artist of Russia in 2020, Shklyarov recently expressed his philosophy of performing in a 2023 interview on The Los Angeles Times: “The dancer should leave the audience with the feeling that they have seen your best performance.” He also expressed his hope to become a “real mentor” for upcoming talents.

The Mariinsky will host a memorial service on Thursday in the White Foyer, followed by church funeral services and burial ceremonies. Shklyarov is survived by his wife, fellow Mariinsky Theater dancer Maria Shirinkina, and their two children.