Founded in 1956 by Francis Gag, the folk group Nice la Belle marks seven decades of existence. Dances, songs and traditional costumes will punctuate a year of events in Nice, between memory, creation and popular gatherings.
In 1956, at the request of the mayor of Nice, Francis Gag, author, director and actor, founded the folk group Nice la Belle. The project was born with a clear intention. To preserve and transmit Nice traditions through dance and song. Since that date, Nice la Belle has committed to lasting action.
To give substance to this initiative, Francis Gag worked with imagier Gustav-Adolf Mossa. The costumes took shape based on 19th-century paintings. The silhouettes of fishermen and fishmongers stood alongside those of peasants and seaside bourgeoisie. The shepherds and shepherdesses of La Brigue also found their place in this work of reconstruction. Each outfit was based on precise iconographic research.
The musical dimension rested on patient inventory work. Francis Gag surrounded himself with Emile Delpierre, composer and orchestra conductor, as well as Paul Durozoi, ballet master of the Nice Opera. This trio structured a repertoire that combined music and dance in respect of traditional forms.
July 14, 1956 marked the first public appearance at the International Folklore Festival of the city of Nice. This event still brings together, on the Nice stage, dances, music and costumes from different cultures. From that date onwards, Nice la Belle multiplied performances in Nice, Europe and beyond.
Seventy years later, the ensemble counts 125 members. Dancers, singers, musicians and dressmakers volunteer for the activities. This collective offers a living vision of local traditions, in constant connection with the city’s history.
A year of events to mark the anniversary
The anniversary will feature several highlights spread throughout the year. The opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Foyer Caballe of the Nice Opera, 4/5 rue François-de-Paule. The musical evening “Songs of the County” will officially launch the celebrations.
On Saturday, April 11 at 2 p.m., the Mediterranean University Center, 65 Promenade des Anglais, will host the conference “Francis Gag, 70 years of folklore and 90 years of theatre”. This meeting will provide insights into Francis Gag’s work and commitment, at the crossroads of theatre and heritage.
On Sunday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Gardens of the Arènes de Cimiez will host a day dedicated to regional folklore. Nice la Belle will share the bill with the folk group Le Cordon Camarguais from Nîmes. This meeting will bring together two territories and two traditions in dialogue.
On Sunday, June 7 at 8 p.m., 4-6 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice will be held at the bandstand in Albert Ier Garden, avenue de Verdun. “Nice la Belle celebrates music” will bring together public and dancers around a participatory moment.
From July 3 to 5, the Francine Gag House, 20 avenue Frédéric Mistral, will offer the festival “La Salade Niçoise”. Workshops, initiations, karaoke evening and balèti (popular dance: Editor’s note) will punctuate these three days. The Francine Gag House will be a central point of the festivities.
On Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., a photographic exhibition and a visit to the Francine Gag House will be part of the European Heritage Days. This meeting will allow a return to the archives and significant moments of the group.
On Sunday, October 18, “Nice la Belle, 70 years in motion” will take the form of a surprise rally. Departure will be at 10 a.m. from the Francine Gag House. The finish will take place on Castle Hill with a festive evening from 5 p.m.
The grand finale of the celebrations will take place in December at the Francis-Gag Theater, 4 rue de la Croix in the Old Town. On Friday, December 18 at 8 p.m., then on Saturday, December 19 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., the anniversary show “Setant’an de pantaï” will be presented to the public. Reservations can be made by email at contact@nice-la-belle.fr or by phone at 06 70 70 66 71.
Throughout the year, Nice la Belle will also participate in several traditional events in the city. The group will be present at the Feast of the Cougourdons, the May Festival, Saint John’s Day, the tribute to Catherine Ségurane and the Presèpi.
Seventy years after its creation, the approach undertaken in 1956 remains active. Transmission, collective practice and presence in public space continue to structure the action of Nice la Belle. The anniversary opens a new chapter, inscribed in the continuity of a story that began in the heart of Nice.
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