Dr. Kathryn "KK" Karrh Cashin

Dr. Kathryn Karrh Cashin died peacefully in her home on June 15, 2023 in Tallahassee, FL. She was born on July 10, 1957 in Tuscaloosa, AL to her parents, Elizabeth “Betty” Vaughan Cook Karrh and Bruce Wakefield Karrh, Sr., who preceded her in death May 1997 and February 2017 respectively. Recently retired, Dr. Cashin was an associate teaching professor for Florida State University’s (FSU) program in Interdisciplinary Humanities. She taught “Multicultural Dimensions of Film and 20th Century Culture” where she codified the graduate student teaching program for the course. She created and taught courses, such as “The Art of Propaganda”, among others. Dr. Cashin was chosen by the FSU International Programs to teach abroad for many summers including the programs in Prague, Czech Republic; Valencia, Spain; and Florence, Italy. She was happiest teaching her students in these beautiful cities focusing on the intersectionality of the human experience through the arts, films, culture, and history. Dr. Cashin was the long-time Resident Choreographer of the Tallahassee Ballet (TTB) under the direction of Joyce Fausone and later, with Tyrone Brooks at the helm. Fondly nicknamed “KK” by TTB dancers, KK joined the Company as a dancer when it was The Tallahassee Civic Ballet in 1978. She danced many featured roles including “Arabian Coffee” and “Snow Queen” in The Nutcracker and “Odette” in Swan Lake. She is best known for the brilliant choreography of TTB’s full productions of The Nutcracker, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Cinderella along with many one act ballets and chamber works. KK also shared her artistry with the Florida State Opera, choreographing over 20 works, including The Mikado, Eugene Onegin, Orpheus in the Underworld, and Romeo and Juliet. She mentored generations of dancers, positively influencing their individual talents and life skills within ballet and beyond. A servant leader, Dr. Cashin was president of the Junior League of Tallahassee in the late 1990’s, a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee, a former curriculum and steering chair for Youth Leadership Tallahassee. a member of the Leadership Council of FSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, and vice-president of scholarships for Alpha Delta Pi National Foundation among others. This past Spring, KK was celebrated by Young Actors Theatre as a “Leading Lady,” a recognition that honors women in the community who go above and beyond by donating their time and efforts to good causes in our community. A voracious and intentional reader, Kathy brought many of the classics to life as a loved and respected member of her book club. She enjoyed hosting themed book club meetings and dancer cast parties in her beautiful home. Kathy moved to Tallahassee, FL to attend Florida State University (FSU) and settled there after graduation. While studying at FSU, she received two undergraduate degrees including one in economics (1978), a Master of Arts degree in Slavic and East European studies (1980), and earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanities in 2005. She married Ken Cashin in 1982 in Tallahassee, FL and gave birth to their daughter, Kathryn “Katy” Elizabeth Cashin in 1988. The couple divorced in 2010. She is survived by her daughter, Katy and beloved son-in-law, Alec Sullivan, of New York City; brother, Lee (Renee). Other surviving family members include her aunt, Mrs. Sara Braucher, Mrs. Janice Karrh, nine nieces and nephews, many cousins, and friends who are forever her chosen family. She is predeceased by her parents and brother, Bruce Jr. (2019). On May 20, 2024, a memorial will be held in her honor at United Trinity Methodist Church at 1:00PM in downtown Tallahassee. In honor of her memory, please consider giving to the Tallahassee Ballet’s KK Memorial Fund (www.tallahasseeballet.org/honorkk) and/or Alpha Delta Pi Foundation (www.alphadeltapi.org/Foundation/Donate) in her honor. Dr. Cashin’s production of Sleeping Beauty will be performed by the Tallahassee Ballet Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12 at Ruby Diamond Auditorium. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Dr. Kathryn "KK" Karrh Cashin

July 10, 1957 - June 15, 2023