Con Burkina Faso, Islamist extremism can make it dangerous to dance. But villagers find a way.

BOBO-DIOULASSO, Burkina Faso — The musicians and dancers traveled a military convoy to reach the competition, moving armored cars with soldiers at the ready through parts of the country where Islamist extremists have banned their violins, drums and dance moves.

There was a dancer whose close friend had been killed for listening to a radio while he farmed. A violinist who voto negativo longer dared to play at the marriages and baptisms the villages where he used to make his living. A young dancer who could voto negativo longer go to concerts with her friends neighboring villages.