From the acrobatic shows to the first modern gymnasiums: a history of the gymnastics-acrobatic companies in the first half of the XX century in Spain

During the first half of the XIX century the gymnastics-acrobatic or aerialist companies entered a period of favourable development in Spain. As from that moment, the old companies became bigger and more popular shaped the first permanent shows of the Spanish circus. In the collective imaginary the gym and gymnastics exercises became confused with the risky exercises exhibited by these companies. At the same time, in a conjuncture of the European gymnastics expansion, the first gymnastics spaces were being shaped in the military, hygienic-medical, education fields in Spain under the marked influence of Francisco Amoros ' method. The object of study is focused on introducing the origin of the modern gymnasium through the social effect of the gymnastics-acrobatic companies in the first half of the XIX century in Spain. This new approach allows to connect other fields of study which try to clarify the emergence of the modern gymnasium. The methodology begins with the preliminary study of original documentary source material, mainly from the historical press, and the support of a recent specialized historiography related to the sport and physical activity from a social perspective. In the final discussion and conclusion the gymnastic-acrobatic show is analyzed as a decisive element in the creation of the first gymnasiums in Spain; premises which establish the social root of the gymnastics practices as a stimulus and health promotion, like school physical education and leisure activities.