The Evolution of Hanne Wassermann’s ‘Gymnastik Methode’ in Vienna’s Golden Autumn

Abstract

Hanne Wassermann’s contributions to teaching gymnastics and body culture during Vienna’s interwar period took place within the rich contexts of ongoing developments in radium research, psychology, physiology and anatomy, and gynecology. This paper explores the movement theories she developed for her classes as well as the ways in which she distinguished her teaching from other renowned female physical culturalists of the time. In ‘Tägliche Gymnastik’, a workbook on daily gymnastics that Hanne co-edited with Jewish gynecologist Oskar Frankl in 1934, and other published and unpublished manuscripts, she described the psychological theories supporting her ‘Gymnastik Methode’—mainly the principles of Gestalt psychology learned from psychologists Karl and Charlotte Bühler at the Vienna Institute of Psychology. She was able to tap into a remarkable network of associates and acquaintances, including celebrated physicians, scientists, movie stars, multi-millionaires, and royalty—and use their influence and status to popularize and begin to commercialize her ‘Gymnastik Methode’, as well as to assist her escape from Vienna following the Anschluß Österreichs (Annexation of Austria) and develop a successful career in massage and remedial gymnastics in North America. She took with her copies of ‘Tägliche Gymnastik’ and the as yet unpublished ‘Methode’ which became important supports to her future livelihood in North America.