Abstract: Danish gymnastics was one of the three world gymnastics systems. From the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century, the evolution, development and formation of Danish gymnastics have experienced tremendous changes. The gymnastics thoughts have also experienced conflict, fusion and inheritance in the gymnastics evolution process. The systematic study of Danish gymnastics historical evolution, development and gymnastics thoughts shows that the modern Danish gymnastics has experienced three stages－German gymnastics, Swedish gymnastics and Danish gymnastics. Gymnasts and their thoughts emerging at each stage have made important contributions to the development of Danish gymnastics and even the world gymnastics. The modern Danish historical evolution process is closely related to the rise of peasant class, enlightenment of Danish public, popular civilian culture, etc. The gymnastics has become one of the means for Danish to realize their national salvation, cultivate their ethnic identity, and achieve public enlightenment and renaissance. Meanwhile, the evolution and development of Danish gymnastics have indirectly promoted the democratization process in Denmark.

Key words: Danish gymnastics, evolution, gymnasts, thoughts