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Karin Ross Obituary
My beloved and graceful ballerina princess has left this world to find a new body to continue her journey helping children fulfill their dreams of dancing. Born on November 8th, 1964 in Salt Lake City, Karin T. Christiansen was adopted as an infant by Alfred and Gertrude "Chris and Trudi" Christiansen. At the age of three, Karin began dancing in the Virginia Tanner Creative Dance Program. She received her early ballet training and learned folk dancing from Tamara Gladikova. Karin went on to receive her BFA and MFA in ballet with an emphasis in teaching and character dance from the University of Utah. She enjoyed performing as a member of the U's Character Dance Ensemble for two years. Her incredible passion and enthusiasm for dance and ballet led Karin to create the Ballet Department's first library of sheet music for ballet and character dance.
For 16 years, Karin touched the lives of countless children at her Christiansen School of Dance in Holladay and the International Folk Ballet as Artistic Director. Karin's folk dancers from her school performed for years at the Snowbird Oktoberfest spreading the enjoyment of dance to many. Afterwards, Karin helped her best friend Christy McQuaid continue to inspire young dancers at Christy's Utah Dance Center in Sandy. She has helped choreograph beautiful performances for Mountain West Ballet and served as the Artistic Director for Mountain West Ballet's production of the Nutcracker in 2010.
After her year and a half battle with cancer, she is survived by her husband Chris, the two loves of her life Sassy and Daisy, her Mother Trudi Christiansen, sister and brother in law Nicole and Kevin Aagaard and her step sons Bryant and Brendon Ross.
The celebration of her life will be held at the Western Garden Center Atrium, 9201 South 1300 East, on Wednesday , October 3, 2012 beginning promptly at 6 PM. Online condolences at larkinmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Primary Children's Hospital in name of the Karin Christiansen School of Dance so many more children might be able to fulfill their dreams of dancing. Her unique grace and beauty will truly live in our hearts and feet forever.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karin Ross
Nicole Babb
September 18, 2024
My name is Nicole. Karin taught me to be confident. I pretty much had none when I first started ballet. I was fortunate enough to take ballet, jazz, and tap lessons at Christiansen School of Dance in Riverton for quite a few years in the 90´s. She really had such a positive impact on me. So very sad to learn of her passing. I was walking my dogs last night and passed by a dance studio and thought of her. So I decided to google her name and unfortunately found her obituary. She is definitely missed but more importantly she is remembered.
Charmaine
May 9, 2023
I found out late that this wonderful lady passed. She was my teacher, and oh, how lovely she was. She imprinted so many lessons on so many hearts. I'm so sad to know she's gone
courtney creger
October 5, 2012
Karin was a customer @ whole foods. I worked in the deli..I want to say ill never forget her. We never said more than a few words other than normal customer to employee talk and just that would make my day so much better. The beauty about her glowed. By far the sweetest most gentle lady I have ever known. Thank u Karen for the time I was able to be spend helping u cause it helped me be a better person. Always remember u..
Kim Crockett-Tuttle
October 3, 2012
Karin was a beautiful dancer and a great mentor. We danced for years together, but lost touch. I am saddened to learn of her passing. I will never forget the time we took her to Lake Powell and she had to promise her mom to wear her seat belt in the boat. Karin was always kind and gracious. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Judith K Swenson
October 3, 2012
Dear Chris, On this day of celebrating her life, I want you to know that some weeks ago Karin shared with me how you two met and fell in love. You could see in her face and eyes the love she felt and still feels for you. I can't begin to understand the loss you feel. You both are in my prayers. She was an integral part of our meditation group and I miss her wise words, sweet spirit and charm.
Judy
October 3, 2012
Chris, our thoughts are very much with you. I can only hope the experience of great love, though it makes this so difficult, will also enrich your life forever more.
Andrea Gray
October 2, 2012
Karin,
You were truly a significant influence in my life. I was your dance student, but there were many lessons that I learned from you. Your endurance, kindness, patience, and optimism was a constant motivation for me. You were my teacher and role model. Thank you for every thing.
October 2, 2012
Chris, although we never met Karin I knew you loved her with all your heart and she was the love of your life. I know you will keep her alive forever in your heart.
Mary & Jim Baker
Leslye Stratton
October 2, 2012
Chris:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. May God Bless you all and ease the pain in your hearts and minds.
annemarie david de ollos
October 1, 2012
karin, you have touched our family so much. your kind and loving personality, to bring memories from the old country to me and give my daughter confidence and love and always believing in her...thank you. so sorry for your mama trudi your husband and children..RIP annemarie and david de ollos
Dan Roberts
October 1, 2012
Dear Chris, during the brief time I was able to be around your sweet Karin, it was truly an experience of love. You two were made to be together and as she has been with you and able to show you her love, so it will always be your gift from her from her new place.
My best to you and to your family please know she will always be with you. My love again to you and to your family.
Rick Schwemmer
October 1, 2012
Karin, your kind nature and artistic abilities helped make folk dancing a great part of my life, and the life of many others! Although we haven't seen each other in years, the world has lost an angel. Thanks for your contributions to our lives!
October 1, 2012
She was truely an inspiration in her struggle. Sending Love, hope, faith, and many prayers to her loved ones. Natalie Bott MA Hunstman Cancer Hospital
September 30, 2012
Memories of weekends At Snowbird, Karin's graceful style and beauty and many hours leaning from and teaching for Karin are flooding into my mind. She was a huge presence in my life from age 7 or 8 until age 20. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing....she touched many, many lives!!!
September 30, 2012
Karin showed true grace and beauty in her fight against cancer. Her laugh, smile, and great hugs will be missed by our family. She added sparkle to our world, will now be a shining angel in heaven. Our love and greatest sympathy to her family and beloved dogs, our prayers are with you.
David Butler, Cheryl McQuaid and Beth McQuaid Butler
Natalie Schun
September 30, 2012
In the short time I knew Karin, she truly touched my life, teaching me about grace, sincerity, and strength. My heart goes out to Chris, and of course her girls, Daisy and Sassy.
Vonda Flanderss
September 30, 2012
Karin, I know you are dancing like you've never danced before. I can feel the joy when I think of you. You were so brave and positive in dealing with your illness. You will be missed.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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