Léo Blanco, a choreographer best known for his work on the Brazilian version of Dancing With the Stars, has died at the age of 47, sending shockwaves through Brazil’s dance and entertainment communities.
Blanco was reportedly found unconscious in his home in Curitiba on Friday, January 9. His official cause of death has not been released. However, his longtime friend, actress Mariana Xavier, said he had been struggling with depression.
Xavier shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram, writing that she first learned of Blanco’s death through messages from strangers late at night. She reflected on their close bond, explaining that he was her Dancing With the Stars coach in 2017 and far more than just a professional partner.
“He was the best partner I could have in making that dream come true, which was his too,” she wrote. “One of the sweetest and most generous people I’ve met in my career. Someone who stayed in my heart and my life, even though we didn’t talk all the time.”
She said she was “torn apart” by the loss and used her post to speak candidly about mental health, noting that many people suffer quietly while continuing to function and smile in public.
“Mental health is a very serious thing,” Xavier wrote. “People carry deep pain that we can never even imagine. Depression doesn’t discriminate by gender, class, or age. Even those who seem to have a perfect life may be missing something essential that money can’t buy.”
Before rising to national recognition, Blanco worked as a personal trainer. His talent and dedication eventually led him to the Dancing With the Stars franchise, where he became known for his energy, warmth, and close relationships with his celebrity partners.
Following the news of his death, fans flooded Blanco’s social media with messages of grief and disbelief.
“Such sad news,” one follower wrote.
“I can’t believe it, Leo. We talked just days ago. You were always so kind,” another commented.
A third added, “You were one of the best people in my world. This is heartbreaking.”
Sad, yet so MUCH is still unknown about human depression, we can usually only react, not be proactive.