Yvonne Yang Receives RSCDS Branch Award at the 2025 Argyle Ball
Please join us in congratulating Yvonne Yang for this well-deserved recognition!
The Branch Award, bestowed by RSCDS, is one of only two official ways that the Society recognizes outstanding achievements. The Award is given for outstanding service to one or more Branches or to Scottish Country Dancing generally in the locality of a Branch. Awardees have:
- Upheld the objectives of the Society over a period of years,
- Demonstrated sustained and exceptional commitment to the promotion of Scottish Country Dancing, and/or
- Been responsible for notable achievements in relation to Scottish Country Dancing and/or its music.
Yvonne Yang’s Scottish Country Dance journey began in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1994. Soon after, she joined the Northern Virginia Branch and the Washington DC Branch, and remains a devoted member of both. From the start, she embraced the tradition with energy and commitment, and for 30+ years, has worked tirelessly to ensure that dancers and the community thrive. She balances her many roles as dancer, teacher, mentor, organizer and musician coordinator—always with generosity.
From 2020-2024, Yvonne chaired Argyle Weekend, the Northern Virginia Branch’s premier dance event. She now serves as Argyle’s teacher/musician coordinator, uniting dancers and musicians in harmony. She also brings technical expertise, making it possible for dancers near and far to join through Zoom, broadening the reach and accessibility of our community.
In 2025, Yvonne served as co-tutor for a Candidate Class, guiding future teachers with clarity, precision, and encouragement. She teaches in both Branches and is especially known for her Friday night class with challenging dances. In all her classes, her keen attention to detail—especially in footwork—sets a high standard for all. She holds herself and others to excellence, but always in a way that uplifts, encouraging dancers to refine their skills with confidence and enjoyment. Yvonne also makes a point of reaching out to those who have stepped away, reinforcing the hope that they continue dancing and remain part of the community.
Her commitment extends beyond the local Branches. Recently, she represented North America at the Newcastle Festival, a testament to her artistry and dedication at the highest level of Scottish dance.
Whether teaching, coordinating, or working behind the scenes, Yvonne leads by example—bringing rigor, creativity, and vision to everything she does. We are grateful for her high standards, her dedication, and her constant willingness to support others.
On behalf of the Northern Virginia and Washington DC RSCDS Branches and the larger RSCDS community, we again extend our deepest congratulations!
THANK YOU, Yvonne!
Sincerely,
Maryjo Baxter
Chair, Northern Virginia Branch, RSCDS
Mike Fannon
President, Washington DC Branch, RSCDS
