Russian ballet star Vladimir Shklyarov dies at 39

The ballet satellite is mourning the decease of Vladimir Shklyarv, 1 of its starring antheral dancers.

Shklyarov, a main with the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre, was an "extraordinary artist" who inspired fans worldwide, 1 tribute said.

His death, announced by the St Petersburg institution connected Saturday, is being investigated by national authorities, according to Russian media reports.

Mariinsky representatives told media helium had fallen from the 5th level of a St Petersburg gathering portion connected painkillers.

"This is simply a immense nonaccomplishment not lone for the theatre's unit but for each of modern ballet," the institution said successful a connection connected Saturday.

"Our condolences to the artist’s family, loved ones, friends and each the galore admirers of his enactment and talent."

Shklyarov was joined to chap institution dancer Maria Shylyarov, with whom helium had 2 children.

Born successful Leningrad, helium studied astatine the famed Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, graduating successful 2003.

He joined the Mariinsky Theatre the aforesaid year, becoming a main successful 2011.

Over 20 years with the company, helium danced leads crossed respective productions, including Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet.

He performed astatine prestigious venues astir the world, including the Royal Opera Theatre successful London and Metropolitan Opera successful New York.

In 2014 and 2015, helium featured arsenic a impermanent creator astatine the American Ballet Theatre. The institution issued a connection connected Sunday mourning his "tragic loss."

"We mourn the tragic nonaccomplishment of Vladimir Shklyarov, an bonzer creator whose grace and passionateness inspired audiences worldwide.

"Your airy volition proceed to radiance done the quality you brought to this world," the institution wrote connected Instagram.

Shklyarv received respective accolades during his lifetime, including the Léonide Massine International Prize successful 2008. He was besides appointed an Honoured Artist of Russia successful 2020.

"He everlastingly inscribed his sanction successful the past of satellite ballet," the Mariinsky Theatre said.