As a social worker, public speaker, iHuman director of community relations and breakdancer, he supported the growth of Edmontonians
Age: 38
Sean Arceta was a friendly neighbourhood community connector, whose goal was to make people feel heard. “It’s a human approach,” he said, “whether it’s a client, or a person I dance with, or a contractor.” The example of a dance partner was especially important to Arceta, who credited breakdancing (he was known as “B-boy Pharush”) for giving him confidence that spilled over into all aspects of his life.
He said breakdancing was the activity that had always given him hope. “I love movement, and have a hard time sitting still,” he said. Arceta taught breakdancing classes with Groove Box Studios, Edmonton schools, K-Days and the St. Albert Children’s Festival, among other places.
And he used his growing confidence built through breakdancing to connect with people in his position as director of community relations at iHuman Youth Society. “My goal is to change what it means to be a social worker,” Arceta said. “It’s not just helping people through their issues, it’s painting pathways for them that will let them do the things they enjoy, and provide them hope.”
He also dressed as Spider-Man for community events. “I’ve done it at K-Days and Street Fest as well,” he said. “I do all the tricks, I talk like him.” He bought the costume in 2020 when there were no community performances as a way to continue his art and connect with more people. Like Peter Parker, Arceta was a photographer. He took photos and videos of breakdancing, and his photography grew to include collaborations with Edmonton talents like the Notorious Cree and Mile Zero Dance as well as corporate work.
A dad who was close to his family and many friends, Arceta connected with people and inspired them to find what makes them happy, and hopefully spread that message to more people.
Sean Arceta passed away in Edmonton on Sept. 23.
This article appears in the November-December 2026 issue of Edify
