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Vladimir Shklyarov (Hiroyuki Ito/Getty Images)

Vladimir Shklyarov (1985–2024), Russian ballet star

by Linnea Crowther

Vladimir Shklyarov was one of the leading male ballet dancers of his time, known for his work in his home nation of Russia, as well as in cities like New York City, London, and Munich. 

Vladimir Shklyarov’s legacy 

Shklyarov studied dance at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, whose other star alumni include Mikhail Baryshnikov, Ryan Martin, and Ji-Young Kim. After graduating in 2003, he joined the Mariinsky Ballet in Saint Petersburg, where he spent much of his career. Over his years with the Mariinsky, he became a renowned dancer whose work was prized by ballet aficionados. He was named principal in 2011. 

Touring with the Mariinsky, Shklyarov performed on such prestigious stages as New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House and London’s Royal Opera House. In 2016, he took a hiatus from the Mariinsky and joined the Bavarian State Ballet in Munich as a guest principal dancer. The following year, he danced as a guest principal with London’s Royal Ballet. He was given the title of Honored Artist of Russia in 2020. 

Tributes to Vladimir Shklyarov 

Full obituary: The New York Times 

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