The Mariinsky Theater announced a civic memorial service in Shklyarov’s honor on Nov. 21 on the theater’s historic stage with a church memorial service and burial ceremony to follow.
Shklyarov—who shared two children with wife and fellow dancer Maria Shirinkina—joined the Mariinsky Theatre in 2003 and became the principal dancer in 2011. He starred in productions of Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, The Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and Alice and Wonderland.
The American Ballet Theatre, where Shklyarov performed as a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, also paid tribute to the late performer.
“Today, we mourn the tragic loss of Vladimir Shklyarov, an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences worldwide,” the company’s Instagram account wrote on Nov. 17, noting he left “an indelible mark on our stage and in our hearts.”
Fellow principal dancer Diana Vishneva also shared a heartfelt tribute on her own account.
“It is impossible to comprehend how early and unfair you passed away,” she wrote. “This is the tragedy for our theatre, our common grief and feeling of emptiness. You were light-hearted, and charming, sharing your warmness and light. You always brought with you smiles and joy.”