May Yarker's Strathspey

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s cross RH, 1s+3s dance ¾ Fig of 8 round 2s (3s cross up to start) 321
9-16 2s+1s cross RH, 2s+1s dance RH across ½ way, 3s and 1s cross RH and dance RH across ½ way. 132
17-24 1s+3s circle 4H round to left, 1s dance down, cast up round 2s (3rd place) to 2nd place
25-32 3s+1s+2s dance the Knot

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

May Yarker's Strathspey - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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Dance Information

May Robertson Yarker was born in Greenock, Scotland, and began Scottish country dancing at the age of five. She joined the RSCDS in 1958 and subsequently qualified as a teacher and examiner. She taught and examined at RSCDS Summer Schools and also taught Scottish country dancing overseas, including in Kenya, Sweden, Denmark, the United States and Canada.

While working at Ilkley College in Yorkshire, Yarker introduced the RSCDS Teaching Certificate. After moving to the south coast of England, she continued to train candidates for RSCDS teaching qualifications. She continued Scottish country dancing into her later years and was still dancing at the age of 90.

Yarker also studied at Glasgow College of Art and worked in enamel. She maintained a studio at her home in Thurso and exhibited work at the annual Caithness Artists' Exhibition. Her enamel work attracted the attention of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who later visited Yarker's studio.

Yarker was subsequently invited to the Castle of Mey, where she and the Queen Mother discussed Scottish country dancing. Their meeting included dancing the progressive form of the Gay Gordons together in the drawing room.

May Yarker died in 2007 at the age of 93.