22/03/2026
Where History Dances: The Legacy of the Golden Melon
The House at the Golden Melon (*Dům U Zlatého melounu*) at Michalská 12 is one of the most storied treasures in Prague’s Old Town. With foundations dating back to the 13th century, this Baroque palace achieved its grand form in 1760 when the noble Chotek family unified two medieval houses. To this day, the iconic Golden Melon sign hangs beneath the balcony, marking a place where history and art have always met.
The building is legendary for its musical and social legacy. In 1828, it became the home of the famous Link Dance School, turning these halls into the beating heart of Prague’s high society. It was here that the great Czech writer Jan Neruda fell in view of his first love, and in 1863, the national ballroom dance "**česká beseda**" was performed here for the very first time. The palace even breathed the music of giants; it housed a piano rental shop where masters like Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Grieg came to practice and play.
The Modern Renaissance: Studio BAILA
Today, the echoes of the 19th-century balls have found a new voice. Under the visionary leadership of Anastasia Zhukova, the historic halls of the Golden Melon have been revitalized as Studio BAILA.
We have carefully preserved the "palace atmosphere" to offer a fitness and dance experience unlike any other in Europe. When you step onto our floor, you are dancing on the same ground where Tchaikovsky played and where the nobility once waltzed.
Our concept:
Studio BAILA is a place of power — a space where we become stronger not only physically but also spiritually, because everything is interconnected. We believe that exercise should be beautiful and graceful. Our programs—including **Body Ballet, Barre, and specialized Yoga-Stretching**—are designed for those who seek more than just a workout. We offer an escape into aesthetics, focusing on small groups, professional choreography, and the physical therapy of movement. Here, strength and grace unite, creating a harmonious balance that feeds the body and soul.
Join the legacy:
Studio BAILA is not just a school; it is the newest chapter in the 800-year history of the Golden Melon.
