Irene Smith

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Deceased
International
International

Irene Weed Smith

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Irene Weed Smith was a native San Franciscan and folk and ballroom instructor and had a private dance studio. She had a B.A. degree in the field of Psychology-Philosophy and obtained her M.A. in Recreation-Education. She possessed a Lifetime Standard Teaching Credential and was registered with the American Recreation Society.

Irene's background in all forms of dance was extensive – her accomplishments many. During her school years she spent much time studying all aspects of dance. Summers found her n Hollywood, California specializing in Hawaiian, ballroom, and Spanixh dance.

Irene devoted much of her time to working for the USO and YMCA programs. In 1950, she became Women's Program Director for the USO-YMCA branch in Waukegan, Illinois organizing and training volunteers and teaching folk dance and ballroom dance as well. She made the acquaintance of many dance leaders in the Chicago area and became a member of the Dance Masters of America there. At the end of the Korean War, Irene returned to San Francisco and joined the local YMCA staff, instructing teen age and young adult ballroom classes.

She served in many capacities, including as instructor on the staff of the 1951 Summer Session Workshop at Mills College in Oakland. She held the post of Choreography and Instruction at St. Paul's High School and arranged programs for the annual Schriner's Hospital Easter Program. Irene also taught a wide variety of classes for the San Francisco Recreation Department and instructed senior citizens.

Irene traveled to France, England, and Spain.