Late 19th-century Germany was shaped by industrialisation, technological progress, and urbanisation. Crises of modernisation resulted in a widespread criticism of civilisation that provided ground for the rise of numerous reform movements in various social contexts. They reacted to crises of their time by questioning established conventions, aiming at an overthrow of everything old in the name of
... [Show full abstract] the new and created enormous artistic and intellectual potential. This contribution explores the development of two avantgardist streams, the education reform movement and the gymnastics and dance movement, and points out the link that connected modern forms of body education and dance to education reform visions using Hamburg as an example. The willingness to experiment that came with Hamburg’s dedication to radical reform visions was evident not only in the public school system, but also in the emerging arts and culture scene that brought forth new forms of dance and movement.