This page contains invitations to volunteer at SSDS weekly dances and special events, most written by our poet laureate emeritus Dave Moran (unless otherwise noted), starting with the most recent one. Dave used to coordinate door volunteers, until he moved to Rochester. Dave's poems inspired others to take up the pen, or the keyboard, and slap words together in the name of dance. If these poems move you (or not) please volunteer!
Mon, 6 Dec 2004
Those days at work
Just seem to last longer
The feelings of stress
Seem to be stronger
There's bill to be paid
And gifts to be bought
No time for yourself
At least so you thought
Get out on Thursday
And dance through the night
For fun and enjoyment
And Bally Bays is the site
And if by chance
You want to do more
Just e-mail me
And work at the door
Three dollars to get in
Or a dollar for some
It's free if you work
So please do come
TIMES
So e-mail me now 8:00-8:30
And give me a time 8:30-9:00
It will be lots of fun 9:00-9:30
And won't cost you a dime 9:30-10:00
Thanks
Dave
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004
It's the week after Thanksgiving
But the turkey never dies
There's turkey sandwiches
Turkey salad
Turkey soup
And more turkey pot pies
Your battle of the bulge
It's not done, no not at all
It's just the beginning of the holidays
Can't you here those calories call
There's Thanksgiving to start
Then a meal with some friends
A holiday party
Oh when will it end
A drink after shopping
Or a drink by the tree
The belt is getting a little to tight
Why how can that be
I've got the answer for you all
It's good exercise and fun too
Come dancing on Thursdays
It relives stress and the holiday blues
Work a half hour shift at the door
It's fun and easy you'll see
That's right just work the door
And get in for free
Shifts
Not bad on the purse 8:00-8:30
Or the pocket I say 8:30-9:00
Just send me an e-mail 9:00-9:30
And do it today 9:30-10:00
Thanks
Dave
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 10:40:47 -0400
From: "Tania Anderson"
As an homage to Dave Moran and an acknowledgement that dear Alice is away this
week, I offer you the following —--
Volunteer Haiku
O! we love to dance
Thursday night community
Give thirty minutes
The usual shifts are available: 8 to 8:30, 8:30 to 9, 9 to 9:30 and 9:30 to 10.
Volunteers get in free. Thanks for your time and timely responses! Tania
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2003 22:53:38 GMT
I'm Dave, the man at the door and I have been told that in Syracuse there are
people who volunteer. And would be willing to work the door at Ballybay for free
entry into the dance. To find these people is my quest, and these are my
journals.
Day 1:
First I must explain I know of some rare people that volunteer often, Alice,
Leigh, Chris, Anne, to name a few. But I fear they my catch what we
professionals call "Volunteer Burn Out", and I would lose them for ever. I just can't let
that happen. I must find more of their kind so we may always continue.
From what I've been told these so called volunteers are very hard to recognize,
for they come in all shapes and sizes. I will be searching for any clue as to
who they are or where they can be reached.
Just to show you I am earnest in my quest I shall tell you the lengths I well
go to find volunteers. I spent the evening at Freddies on Friday, talking to
people, looking over the crowd. Knowing volunteers where in the room trying to
find a way to find them out. I had to listen to Atlas play, and danced some, oh
what a tiring evening. It's tough work but someone has to do it.
If any of you know how to help me with my quest please e-mail me.
End of Day 1
Dave
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 13:36:20 GMT
There has been no rhymes for quite some time
And the attendance at the dances are low
But there's summer fun and thing to get done
So to the dance you can't go
But we'll still be here, sometimes drinking a beer
Waiting upon your return
We'll be dancing through the night trying to reach new heights
Remembering all that we've learned
Now my mind is back, I'm totally of the track
I'm trying to get people to work
You all have seen and you know the routine
So e-mail me if you'll work for me the poem jerk
Thanks
Dave
Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 22:11:18 GMT
Mario through a party at the polish Home
Attendance was capped and some began to moan
The lessons will be cool, as cool as can be
Get in while you can and you will soon see
So let's swing
Everybody let's swing
Everybody just do your thing
Get on the floor and West Coast Swing
Sad Jack during classes was sitting by the phone
Way in the corner pouting all alone
Mario said Hey buddy don't you be know square
If you can't find a partner use a wooden chair
So let's swing
Everybody let's swing
Everybody just do your thing
Get on the floor and West Coast Swing
Two night's of dances and we'll all be there
Different DJ's and music with none to spare
We'll all be dancing getting into the zone
Yes we'll all be swinging at the Polish Home
So let's swing
Everybody let's swing
Everybody just do your thing
Get on the floor and West Coast Swing
I'm Dave and I'm asking for a little of your time
To volunteer for the door and keep this in mind
A workshop or a dance you will get for free
So come on and volunteer and work with me
So let's swing
Everybody let's swing
Volunteer to work I sing
Then dance and West Coast Swing
Thank You Thank You Very Much
E-mail me, or just tell me
Lot's of times open still
Dave
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2003 17:16:03 GMT
My mind is blank
There is no rhyme
Nothing original
For you this time
This doesn't mean
I don't need help at the door
Four slots are still open
So volunteer I implore
Another week or so Times
And my mind should clear 8:00-8:30
And think of something good 8:30-9:00
For you to read here 9:00-9:30
9:30-10:00
So be a friend
And give up some time
It will make me feel better
It will ease my mind
Thanks
Dave
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2003 18:48:41 -0400
First my apologies to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and "The Midnight Ride
Of Paul Revere"
Listen my children for I must say
I need volunteers for Ballybay
On the 17th of April Two Thousand and Three
I am the man for all those to see
I said to my friend "If the people should come and no person at the door
It could be a chance the dance the dance is no more
One person I'll stand, two we will see
Three or more than I shall be free
Ready to dance the whole night through
I'll be free to do that just like you
I cry for help, just a few volunteers
This is a call you all must hear
A voice in the darkness
An e-mail to your screen
A word to inspire remains to be seen
For born on the nightwind of the past
Through all our history to the last
In the hour of darkness and peril and need
The people will waken and listen and pay heed
The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed
And the midnight-message of Dave that's me
Thanks
Dave
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2003 13:21:31 -0400 Now this request is something you got to use a little imagination, because there is a lot of instrumental. My apologies to Jackson Brown and Stay Oh won't you say Say that you'll work here Please please please please please Say that your going too Now if you really don't mind Just a half an hour of time It would be so fine It would really easy my mind Say you will Oh won't you say Say that you'll work here Please please please please please I know that you want too Thank you all Dave
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 15:42:36 -0500 The lights are dim, a spot light shines on Dave at the door behind a piano. Static comes across the mic first but then clears Dave: "I have a request form the crowd for a song, I must first apologies in advance to Gloria Gaynor and the song is " I will survive"." First I was afraid I was petrified Working at the door with no help in sight I spent so many nights of thinking how I did you wrong But I grew strong And knew I'd get along But now your back From your dance space Talking to me here With that look upon your face I should have made you volunteer It would now let me be free To go out there dancing With someone who loves to dance with me So now go Go to the door Volunteer to work So I can dance upon the floor Weren't you the one who said e-mail me with a time Yes I remembered Or were you just being kind Oh no said I I will be free As long as I can write these things I know you'll work for me I've got all these slots to fill And with your help I know we will We will survive We will survive Hay Hay Thank You Dave
Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2003 21:11:08 -0500 I thought I'd rewrite an old Irish Prayer in honor of St Pat's Day, I hope you all like it. May the dance floors always be smooth as Ballybays May the leaders always guide the followers and make them shine May the followers glide effortlessly to the musical beat May the music be in your feet as well as in your head And may the dance be in your heart now and for always Now I need people to work the door on Thursday 03/20/03 Please let me know if you can Thanks Dave
Date: Sun, 9 Mar 2003 17:20:40 -0500 Come one come all to Ballybay Now right through the door And I know you'll stay The music you'll dance to Will put you in the mood Then there will be others Where you'll want to groove Now just this Thursday You can be a star No matter how good Or bad a dancer you are There will be cameras For our Thursday night show So all come and support us And dance all you know Now the other reason For this message of mine It's to get you to work And share a little of time Please volunteer Don't make me ask twice Make my job easy Now wouldn't that be nice But even if you don't volunteer For the door Show up this Thursday Let's have dancing galore Thanks Dave
Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 17:09:47 -0500 Looking for that special someone Tired of meeting people in the bar No one you like at work Not trusting the on line dating Work the door at Ballybay Find that person with similar interests ( guys that means dancing) Find out their financial status (take a quick look in their wallet or purse) Strike up easy conversations (that will be $3 please, hay you did you pay me) This is something any one can do With no cost to you (guys that mean it's free to get in) Join now Be a volunteer for me Just e-mail me back with the time you would like And start meeting new people Or that one person you've been meaning to talk to Do it now before all the slots are filled Thank You Dave
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 13:11:05 -0500 My time is short This e-mail's clear I send it out for all to here I need volunteers to work the door And that is it That's what this message is for So please help me out E-mail me with a time Now that's not so bad It's the end of this rhyme Thanks Dave
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2003 22:50:34 -0500 Hi a a a People I' I'm having some um um um thought problems of late. What? What? A a sorry about that, as I was saying, um I need ......What? Oh yea, people to work the door Thursday. These voices they are every where...uh uh STOP THAT. Sorry, if you could help me out you know with the yea the door let me know. Or let one of these voices know.....yea you. Who says? They can if they want to. Yea so there. Please help me I need it Dave
Sun, 26 Jan 2003 15:12:20 -0500 "Oz at Ballybay The Final Chapter" Time:9:30 Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin man, and Lion go to the door in search of the wizard of the door. A girl with a red cape is now working and is fighting off the advances of a wolfish character. Dorothy: Hay Red Riding hood where's that so called wizard? Red : I don't know I've only talked to him through e-mails, but I hear strange things coming from the cloakroom. The four go out the door and head for the bar. They pass the cloakroom and suddenly a booming voice is heard from with in. Voice: DOROTHY YOU SEEK ME? Dorothy a little shaken: Why yes I was wondering....... Voice: SILENCE I KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, BUT FIRST LET ME TELL YOUR FRIENDS WHAT I THINK OF THERE DANCING SCARECROW YOU HUSTLE HACKEN HALF WIT YOUR NOT EVEN GOOD ENOUGH TO BE USED AS HAY FOR A HOG PEN Scarecrow: Ah Ah Ah Voice: AND YOU TIN MAN YOU JUMPIN JIVEN JACK IN THE BOX LOOKING TRASH CAN. Lion at this point notices the speakers in the back of the cloakroom and follows the wire to a person sitting at the bar. he whispers to the others and points to the person at the bar. At the bar the person turns and hides his face. Voice: PAY NO ATTENTION TO THAT MAN BEHIND THE BEER BOTTLE. But it's to late the four are now standing at the side of the door wizard. Scarecrow: How could you say those things? All we did was volunteer for you and this is the thanks we get? Tin man: Yea Wizard: I'm sorry I thought I was being funny. Come on guys it was a joke. I need you, forgive me. Let me sing you up for next week? All: NO Dorothy: I hope this teaches you a lesson. At this point all four turn and leave Ballybay. Well it did teach me a lesson. I need all of you out there reading this. I still need people each week to work the door. Volunteer if not this week then next week. Thanks Dave (The Wizard of the Door)
Sun, 19 Jan 2003 22:46:45 -0500 "Oz at Ballybay" part III Dorothy goes to the door now looking for the Scarecrow and the Tinman. Neither are there. Now the cowardly lion is at the door eyeing some women just entering the bar, as he brushes his main. Dorothy: Lion? Lion? Your here now? You volunteered to work? Well I've got to say you look very pretty sitting here. (Dorothy teased) A low growl from the Lion Music starts: Listen here now missy Don't think I'm a sissy Cause I'm working at this place I'm smart I'm doing my time Cause I haven't got a dime (no pockets) Soon I'll be dancing face to face Now I will tell you why The true reason I work right here The girls come in and some call me dear (oh dear) Then I look Some times I leer I'm really on the prowl I'm a Lion hear me growl That's what I'm working for It's easy can't you see I'm working here for me To meet women here galore Dorothy: You mean you meet new people as they enter? Lion: Yes mam. Dorothy: That's it I want to help out. Where is that guy I have to see? What's his e-mail. Get in for free for a half hour of time, meet new people, and even can sing badly and no one will complain. Lion help me find him. (to be continued) To work the door e-mail me The WizardSun, 12 Jan 2003 23:00:32 -0500 "The Wizard of Oz goes to Ballybay" part II Scene: It's a 1/2 hour after scarecrow starts his shift. Tin man take the money bag sits by the door. Dorothy has been dancing sees the tin man and heads his way. Dorothy: Come on Tin man I know you can west coast, lets go dance. Tin man: I'm working the door right now. Dorothy: Why are you doing that? Tin Man: Why? I'll tell you why. Music starts: Yes I'm made of tin I'm there when you walk in I'm someone they can trust Oh heck let's just dance slow Cause fast I can not go If I sweat then I'll rust Oh I will check them in It's three bucks to get through the door Then they can dance like they have never danced before Take a break And dance some more I'm here just doing my time A half hour is just fine I'm volunteering doing my part So now can't you see It's easy as can be So volunteer have a heart Dorothy: Volunteer Ok Ok Who do I see. Where is this Dave? What his e-mail address? Tin man: I'll introduce him to you after my shift. But e-mail Dave if you want to this week. To Be Continued
Sun, 5 Jan 2003 23:29:32 -0500 Now an excerpt form a new movie coming to a theater near you "The Wizard of Oz goes to Ballybay" The scene: Dorothy has just entered Ballybay and the scarecrow is at the door Dorothy: Scarecrow what are you doing here? Music starts: Scarecrow: My head is full of stuffing And I'm working here for nothing You say ain't I got a brain But when my 1/2 hours done And I'm dancing and having fun In my wallet there's no drain Oh I could tell you why I'm working at the door I meet people that I've never met before Then I'd look Here comes some more I'll greet you with a smile Counting your money may take awhile For smarts they say I've not But you all just look at me I'm dancing here for free So brains I do too got Dorothy: Scarecrow you not dumb. How can I do a shift? Scarecrow: Just e-mail Dave and he'll put you in a time slot you'd like. To be continued 8:00-8:30 8:30-9:00 9:00-9:30 9:30-10:00
Sun, 8 Dec 2002 10:45:08 -0500 Twas two weeks before Christmas and all your shopping is done It's Thursday night and in need of some fun Your gifts are all wrapped and hidden away So go out and dance at you know where Ballybay All your friends will be there it will relieve some stress Come as you are cause there's no need to impress As you get there and enter the door Try to remember don't track snow on the floor I and my crew will take money when you enter this place It's not a bad cost for this fine dance space I'll also be taking hugs when I can So if you need one then I'm your man Go put your shoes on and put a smile on your face Take a break from reality and the outside rat race Steve and Can and now Tania too Will be playing the music the whole night through Enjoy this time forget the pressure of the season Dance and be merry for you don't need a reason The forgotten gifts can be gotten tomorrow And the cookies and cakes I'm sure will follow If you can't go cause money is tight Don't let that stop you from dancing tonight Volunteer for the door and get in for free Just a half hour of time just e-mail me Now for my finish this poems end is in sight Happy dancing to all and to all a good night Dave Door times are 8:00-8:30 8:30-9:00 9:00-9:30 Taken 9:30-10:00
Sun, 17 Nov 2002 12:29:04 -0500 Here's where I ask for you to work at the door What could I say to get volunteers galore Would you could you, it'll be free to get in Would you could you, it will make me grin I WOULD NOT COLD NOT JUST TO GET IN I WOULD NOT COULD NOT JUST TO MAKE YOU GRIN Would you could you if I take a stance Would you could you if I promise you a dance I WOULD NOT COULD NOT IF YOU TOOK A STANCE I WOULD NOT COULD NOT EVEN FOR A DANCE Would you could you if you worked with a fox Or would you work with a guy that rocks NOT FOR A FOX OR A GUY WHO ROCKS I WILL NOT VOLUNTEER FOR THE DOOR I WILL NOT DO IT SO DON'T ASK ANY MORE Would you could you for maybe a beer Would you could you just be a dear I WOULD NOT COULD NOT TO BE A DEAR I WOULD NOT COULD NOT FOR EVEN A BEER NOT FOR A FOX OR A GUY WHO ROCKS NOT FOR A DANCE EVEN IF YOU TAKE A STANCE NOT FOR A GRIN NOT EVEN TO GET IN I WILL NOT WORK AT THE DOOR SO STOP, JUST STOP AND DON'T ASK ANY MORE Would you could you in a pinch It's not real hard it's really a cinch What will it take and don't you tease Volunteer this week I'm asking please PLEASE WAS THE WORD I WAS LOOKING FOR SO, YES I WILL VOLUNTEER AT THE DOOR NO MORE PRODDING JUST MAYBE A WORD OR TWO ALL I ASK FOR MY WORK IS A PLEASE AND THANK YOU So please volunteer Thank You Dave 8:00-8:30 8:30-9:00 9:00-9:30 9:30-10:00
Sun, 10 Nov 2002 Hello Dave Your mission if you choose to except it, is to find volunteers to work the door for the Thursday night dance. The members of your team will be on the look out for people trying to get in to the dance for free. Two of the most notorious of these people are Tami Tocutetopay and Freddy Freebesforme. Their disguises change weekly so your team must be alert. Remember if you or any of your team is caught we will disawow any knowledge of your existence. Door times 8:00-8:30 8:30-9:00 9:00-9:30 9:30-10:00 Good luck Dave This E-mail will self destruct in Ten Years (or just hit delete)
Mon, 4 Nov 2002 Sorry I'm late getting this out, but I wanted Elvis to write this one he's a little slower these days. I'm not sure what he wrote, but here he is. Thank you thank you very much Since my volunteers left me I've found a new place to stay It's down at the end of Sacket St A place called Ballybay You make me so lonely baby You make me so lonely You make me so lonely working the door The dance floors always crowded But out there no I'm not I'm taking the money and making the change Cause volunteers I ain't got You make me so lonely baby You make me so lonely You make me so lonely working the door If there is one thing I could wish for To change these feelings of gloom Is for you to take a shift At ballybay's back room Don't make me so lonely baby Don't make me so lonely Don't make me so lonely working the door Shift times are 8:00-8:30 8:30-9:00 9:00-9:30 9:30-10:00 Thank you thank you very much (clap clap clap) THE KING HAS LEFT THE BUILDING
Sun, 27 Oct 2002 You have entered a dimension not of sight or sound But a dimension of the mind So try to look for an exit But there is none you will find A dance on Halloween Is a place you can stay Where Steve and Can are deciding What music they should play The floor is covered with people Just like you, so you think But their not like you at all So you had better not blink They have all volunteered before And that's not like you So be a little nervous And think what can they do I'm the man at the door I'll try to bring you into our fold Just try to stay away But I'm persistent or so I'm told I catch you by E-mail Or I'll get you where there's fun So why not volunteer Because there's no place to run Volunteer for the door Don't give a grunt or grone And you won't feel you've entered An other episode of the Twilight Zone
Mon, 14 Oct 2002 Once upon a midnight dreary As I wandered weak and weary I went to a dance and stopped at the door It was empty there and nothing more The E-mails were sent for people to work But there came no responses back to that jerk Just a 1/2 hour of time and then you'd be done Then everyone could dance and have some fun But no one would work now there's a sign on the door It says "To All Concerned The Dance Is No More" Now the days are dreary and the nights are cold Since there's no dance on Thursdays we'll all just sit around and grow old Don't let my nightmare become a reality, volunteer for a shift at the door. 8:00-8:30 8:30-9:00 9:00-9:30 9:30-10:00 Let me know Dave (the dream catcher)
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