Ballet dancer Shklyarov dies after balcony fall

Russia's second city, say initial information suggests his fall

Investigators in Russia are looking into the death of Vladimir Shklyarov, a principal dancer at the world-famous Mariinsky Ballet in St Petersburg, after he fell from an apartment block balcony and died at the age of 39.

Police in St Petersburg, Russia's second city, say initial information suggests his fall, which was discovered early on Saturday morning, was the result of an accident, state media have reported.

The Mariinsky said in a statement on Monday it would host a farewell ceremony for him on Thursday ahead of his funeral later that day and that members of the public were welcome to pay their respects to someone who was widely respected for his flair in executing the classical Russian ballet repertoire.