The ballet world is mourning the death of one of its leading male dancers, Vladimir Shkulerov.
According to a tribute, Shkulerov, principal of the prestigious Mariinsky Theater, was an “extraordinary artist” who inspired audiences around the world.
His death, which was announced by the St. Petersburg company on Saturday, is being investigated by federal authorities, according to Russian media reports.
Mariinsky representatives told the media that he was taking painkillers from the fifth floor of the St. Petersburg building.
“This is a great loss not only for the theater staff but for all of contemporary ballet,” the company said in a statement on Saturday.
“Our condolences to the artist’s family, loved ones, friends and all the countless admirers of his work and talent.”
Shuklarov was married to fellow company dancer Maria Shuklarov, with whom he had two children.
Born in Leningrad, he studied at the famous Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, graduating in 2003.
He joined the Mariinsky Theater the same year, becoming principal in 2011.
In 20 years with the company, she danced leads in many productions, including Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet.
He has performed at prestigious venues around the world, including the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
In 2014 and 2015, he appeared as a guest artist at American Ballet Theatre. The company released a statement on Sunday mourning their “tragic loss”.
“We mourn the tragic loss of Vladimir Shkulerov, an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences around the world.
“May your light continue to shine through the beauty you brought into this world,” the company wrote on Instagram.
Shkulerov received many accolades during his lifetime, including the Leonid Messine International Prize in 2008. He was also appointed Honored Artist of Russia in 2020.
“He wrote his name forever in the history of world ballet,” the Mariinsky Theater said.
