Sean Viator, Renowned Professional Dancer and Choreographer, Passes Away at 31; American Idol and Billboard Music Awards Contestant Leaves Behind Legacy of Creativity and Inspiration
Sean Viator, a talented and accomplished professional dancer and choreographer, tragically passed away on May 3, 2024, at the young age of 31. His sudden departure has sent shockwaves throughout the dance community, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by his loved ones, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched through his passion for dance.
Born on July 12, 1992, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sean befriended everyone and inspired others with his sincerity, friendliness, and humor. After graduating from St. Michael the Archbishop High School, he obtained a BA from the University of Arizona, and later became a professional dancer and choreographer, his true love.
Sean’s love for dance, creativity, and resilience propelled him to tremendous career heights, where he made many lifetime friends. He was an active member of dancing organizations like SAG-AFTRA, advocating for human rights. He was a proud DeFrances Academy of Dance graduate and Bloc Talent Agency member.
Throughout his career, Sean achieved various professional achievements, including collaborations with award-winning artists like Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Sam Smith, and Demi Lovato. His dances were featured on American Idol and Billboard Music Awards, and he had the privilege of performing with the Radio City Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for years.
Sean’s Vegas performances included Jubilee at Bally’s and Showstoppers at the Wynn, and he even performed One Drop with Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage for charity. He shared his love of dance by teaching and choreographing for Millennium Dance Complex and Broadway Dance Center, inspiring countless students.
Sean is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Rose Marie Viator and his maternal grandparents Gordon and Eva Dale Daigle. He is survived by his father Todd Viator, stepmother Jennifer Viator, mother Celeste Viator, Terry Ingraffia; his sisters Natalie Abshier (Joshua) and Stephanie Sturgeon (Reed); his brother Christopher VanDreumel; his nieces Piper and Penelope Abshier; and his grandfather Kenward Viator.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home on Friday, May 10, 2024, to honor Sean’s memory. Visiting hours will be from 12:30 pm until Memorial Services at 2:30 pm. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite color to brighten up the room in Sean’s honor.
Sean’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. His loved ones, colleagues, and the entire dance community will deeply miss his infectious enthusiasm, creative genius, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
As the dance world mourns the loss of this talented and devoted artist, we take comfort in the knowledge that Sean’s legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of dancers and performers. His passion, creativity, and generosity of spirit will never be forgotten, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.
Rest in peace, Sean Viator. Your legacy will continue to dance its way into the hearts of many, inspiring a new generation of artists to pursue their dreams with the same passion, creativity, and dedication that characterized your remarkable career.
