get in line

'We really missed you,' said one of the members of my line dancing troop, the Heartlanders, when I showed up to rehearsal on Thursday evening, having missed a few sessions because I was away. 'But don't worry, we kept you a place. We used a pair of boots to mark your position.'

On Friday evening the Heartlanders were the entertainment at the night market in a nearby town [along with a tightrope walker who seemed to have got cold feet, since he failed to materialise by the time I left at 11.15pm.] The performance, or 'demo' as it was more modestly billed, went very well, despite a few hiccups with the sound system. Afterwards one of our number was congratulated by a man in the crowd.
Are you on tour?' he asked [no, apparently he hadn't been hitting the Pinot].
'Oh yes,' said Christine. 'Paris, New York, AIx-En-Provence.'

This was our third public performance, and buoyed by the enthusiastic reception, we are now seeking other bookings. I have been charged with the task of organising some 'appearances' in my village, by asking my mayor if we can perform for any forthcoming charity events or old people's homes. I will keep everyone posted on forthcoming performances!