As a Principal Dancer with the Mariinsky Ballet and a guest artist with major ballet companies, Vladimir Shklyarov gained worldwide acclaim as one of the leading male dancers, dazzling crowds with a refined mix of athleticism and grace. I saw him dance in New York on 3 occasions and was impressed by his complete package as a dancer: robust stage presence, technical prowess, dramatism, and strength as a partner. His repertoire was vast across the major classics and contemporary works.
The ballet world was shocked when Shklyarov died on November 16, 2024, at age 39. Fellow dancer Irina Baranovskaya said that he had gone out onto a very narrow balcony to smoke, lost his balance, and fell five stories, in her words, in a “stupid, unbearable accident.” Russian media reported that he was due to undergo complex spinal surgery and had been taking serious painkillers for some time.
This video remembers Shklyarov’s great dancing. I analyze his Nutcracker variation, an exceptional solo filled with stellar technique and princely grace. A great artist. He will be missed.
References
New York Times: "Vladimir Shklyarov, Star Russian Ballet Dancer, Dies at 39," https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/16/world/europe/vladimir-shklyarov-dead.html
Mariinsky website: https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/company/ballet/archive_ballet/shklyarov/
CNN.com: "Russian ballet star Vladimir Shklyarov dies after falling from building," https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/18/style/vladimir-shklyarov-ballet-death-scli-intl/index.html
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Shklyarov
Photos of Shklyarov in Mariinsky performances: https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/company/ballet/archive_ballet/shklyarov/
Photos of Shklyarov in New York Performances: notmydayjobphotography.com
Ballet Steps (Descriptions generally from Gail Grant, Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet)
Changement-change of feet from fifth position
Chassé-a step in which one foot chaises the other foot out of position
Coupé-Cut, cutting. a small intermediary step done as a preparation for some other step
Double Tour en l'air-a leap off of two feet with two turns in the air
Grand Jeté-a leap where one leg is thrust into the air, with the other behind forming a split in the air
Manège, en-steps in a circle
Pirouette en Dehors-Outward turn with legs in retiré position (foot to the knee)
Saut de Basque-a traveling step in which the dancer turns in the air (1-3 turns) with one foot drawn up to the knee of the other leg. The left leg brushes in the air with take off from the right; the right leg goes to retiré, then landing on the left leg.