Bilingual Birdies

Asheville, North Carolina

Meet Šara

Learn French and Spanish with Šara!

My name is Dr. Šara (“Sha-rah"), and I started Bilingual Birdies Asheville to increase diversity and language-learning for littles in Asheville. I’m a trilingual performer with a PhD in Performance and Cultural Studies. I’ve lived in France, Senegal, Brazil, Cape Verde, and toured on many international stages! When I’m not performing, I love teaching kids to learn about other cultures through my years of experience as an arts educator with Bilingual Birdies and beyond. I speak French and Portuguese and teach French alongside running operations at Bilingual Birdies Asheville.

asheville@bilingualbirdies.com
(828) 772-6825
See Schedule

How Bilingual Birdies Works

Our mission is to encourage cross-cultural awareness through our language and music curriculum so that children will grow up to be more open-minded adults.

Virtual and in-person services include:

Schools, birthdays and private classes

If you’re a school director interested in classes or a parent inquiring about a bilingual birthday party or private lessons, we’re here to deliver the best educational experience possible.

Book Us

Meet your teachers!

Šara Stranovsky
French Teacher
Daniela Risquez
Spanish Teacher
Carla Orellana
Spanish Teacher
Melissa Hyman
Spanish Teacher
Vivian Torres
Spanish Teacher
I love Bilingual Birdies because my child gets to experience language the way she wants to learn.
Sharon Ng
Mom
The program is phenomenal! It prepares children for the world ahead.
Yvonne Young
Director, Ccs Montessori Preschool

Parent Materials

All enrolled families receive digital and physical materials to continue learning at home.

Parent materials include:

  • Downloads of our original music albums
  • Lyrics page of popular songs
  • Monthly ebooks of themed curriculum
  • Vocabulary sheets with keywords from class
  • Plush mini birdie puppet each semester

Schedule of Classes

In person classes (45 minutes long) are fun-filled language learning experiences in French and Spanish. Lessons are music-based and include singing, dancing, and puppetry from certified educators. Enrolled families receive a physical birdie puppet, ebooks, music downloads, and vocabulary sheets to keep learning at home!

Schedule

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In Person
Adventures with Zee
Spanish 0-5 yrs
Sat 10:30am-11:15am
September 20 - November 15 Attic salt theater company
2002 Riverside Dr, Woodfin, NC 28804
Days Off:October 18 Total: $200 USD-0/8 Weeks

Note

Location: Park on Riverside drive in the parking lot near the big 2002 sign, short term parking is granted to our group. GPS directions might take you to the back entrance, which works if you follow signs for Attic Salt Theater. Follow the signs for Bilingual Birdies in the main building.

Caretaker and child classes involve some sitting on the floor, but we have chairs for any adults who prefer to sit in chairs or stand. We often sit on the floor in a circle but children and adults are not expected to remain sitting. The theater space is large and magical, which also means a little bit distracting, so don't be alarmed if children seem curious to look at things like a hanging light or strange sculpture on a shelf for the first few classes. With this age group we encourage exploration and play. Children absorb language and music in so many different ways! More details provided after registration. Please email for any questions. asheville@bilingualbirdies.com
For customers who have been severely affected financially by Hurricane Helene, please email to explain and we can try to arrange for financial assistance, which will depend upon enrollment numbers and any donations we receive.
If you would like to try a class for free, please email asheville@bilingualbirdies.com to schedule a demo class with us! We would love to welcome you to see that class is the right fit for your family and little ones.
$200 USD Total

0/8 Weeks

ENROLL

Your teacher and Zee Birdie are waiting to take you on the best bilingual adventure ever! This semester is about learning 10-20 new words per class that relate to moving your body and enjoying a safari adventure in the jungle. Children learn through music, movement, and puppetry! Classes end with a bubble dance party extravaganza. Each enrolled family receives materials to practice at home including: a plush mini Zee Birdie puppet, one bilingual ebook per month reflecting themes from class, an album download of the 10 best original songs from class, and bilingual vocabulary sheets highlighting keywords from the curriculum. All teachers are trained and certified in the Bilingual Birdies methodology and use intruments and props in class to make learning fun and engaging for all ages. Families should expect to sing and dance while they learn new words, bond with their children, and connect with other budding bilingual families!

Melissa Hyman

Melissa Hyman is a musician, arts educator and mom, originally from the NYC area. She studied French for many years, has a BA in Spanish from the University of Vermont and has lived in Perú and Switzerland.Melissa currently teaches rock band at French Broad River Academy, is the Asheville Music Teacher for Arts For Life (an arts-in-healthcare nonprofit serving children and families facing serious illness), and coordinates the Swannanoa Gathering Children's Program at Warren Wilson College.She also performs with several local bands including The Moon and You, Cowboy Judy, Tina & Her Pony, and Hannah Kaminer & the Wistfuls. Melissa is a longtime singer, songwriter and recording artist who plays and teaches cello, bass, ukulele and guitar. She is thrilled to become part of the Bilingual Birdies family - this program aligns beautifully with her interests, values and skills!

asheville@bilingualbirdies.com

828-772-6825

In Person
Adventures with Zee
Spanish 0-5, with 6 months to 3 years recommended. yrs
Tue 03:30pm-04:15pm
September 23 - November 18 Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Days Off:November 11 Total: $200 USD-0/8 Weeks

Note

Parking for Story Parlor can be found on residential streets, across the street at Cooperative Coffee, or at Archetype Brewing just a block down from Story Parlor.

Caretaker and child classes involve some sitting on the floor, but we have chairs for any adults who prefer to sit in chairs or stand. We often start sitting on the floor in a circle but children and adults are not expected to remain sitting, as we get up and dance and play together. With this age group we encourage exploration and play within the space, which can take the form of exploring the little stage, or playing with props. Children absorb language and music in so many different ways, and it can take a few classes for kids that are new to taking group classes to get into the groove. More details provided after registration. Please email for any questions. asheville@bilingualbirdies.com
For customers who have been severely affected financially by Hurricane Helene, please email to explain and we can try to arrange for financial assistance, which will depend upon enrollment numbers and any donations we receive.
If you would like to try a class for free, please email asheville@bilingualbirdies.com to schedule a demo class with us! We would love to welcome you to see that class is the right fit for your family and little ones.
$200 USD Total

0/8 Weeks

ENROLL

Your teacher and Zee Birdie are waiting to take you on the best bilingual adventure ever! This semester is about learning 10-20 new words per class that relate to moving your body and enjoying a safari adventure in the jungle. Children learn through music, movement, and puppetry! Classes end with a bubble dance party extravaganza. Each enrolled family receives materials to practice at home including: a plush mini Zee Birdie puppet, one bilingual ebook per month reflecting themes from class, an album download of the 10 best original songs from class, and bilingual vocabulary sheets highlighting keywords from the curriculum. All teachers are trained and certified in the Bilingual Birdies methodology and use intruments and props in class to make learning fun and engaging for all ages. Families should expect to sing and dance while they learn new words, bond with their children, and connect with other budding bilingual families!

Daniela Risquez

Daniela Risquez is a singer, early childhood educator specializing in outdoor education, and a children's book illustrator from Caracas Venezuela. She has worked in preschools, education organizations, and has a degree in behavioral analysis. She loves working with kids and performs as a professional singer when she is not making all the kiddos giggle! Dani currently substitutes in Bilingual Birdies Asheville classes and performs in birthday parties, school, and community concerts as part of the program’s performing band of teachers.

asheville@bilingualbirdies.com

828-772-6825

In Person
Adventures with Zee
Spanish 0-5, with ages 3 to 5 recommended for similar age groupings. yrs
Tue 04:30pm-05:15pm
September 23 - November 18 Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Days Off:November 11 Total: $200 USD-0/8 Weeks

Note

We have age groupings for the 3:30 and 4:30 classes to encourage some littles to make similarly aged friends! But we are not strict if a different slot is preferred or if you have siblings. The 3:30 and 4:30 classes have the same content.
Parking for Story Parlor can be found on residential streets, across the street at Cooperative Coffee, or at Archetype Brewing just a block down from Story Parlor.

Caretaker and child classes involve some sitting on the floor, but we have chairs for any adults who prefer to sit in chairs or stand. We often start sitting on the floor in a circle but children and adults are not expected to remain sitting, as we get up and dance and play together. With this age group we encourage exploration and play. Children absorb language and music in so many different ways, and it can take a few classes for kids that are new to taking group classes to get into the groove! More details provided after registration. Please email for any questions. asheville@bilingualbirdies.com
For customers who have been severely affected financially by Hurricane Helene, please email to explain and we can try to arrange for financial assistance, which will depend upon enrollment numbers and any donations we receive.
If you would like to try a class for free, please email asheville@bilingualbirdies.com to schedule a demo class with us! We would love to welcome you to see that class is the right fit for your family and little ones.
$200 USD Total

0/8 Weeks

ENROLL

Your teacher and Zee Birdie are waiting to take you on the best bilingual adventure ever! This semester is about learning 10-20 new words per class that relate to moving your body and enjoying a safari adventure in the jungle. Children learn through music, movement, and puppetry! Classes end with a bubble dance party extravaganza. Each enrolled family receives materials to practice at home including: a plush mini Zee Birdie puppet, one bilingual ebook per month reflecting themes from class, an album download of the 10 best original songs from class, and bilingual vocabulary sheets highlighting keywords from the curriculum. All teachers are trained and certified in the Bilingual Birdies methodology and use intruments and props in class to make learning fun and engaging for all ages. Families should expect to sing and dance while they learn new words, bond with their children, and connect with other budding bilingual families!

Daniela Risquez

Daniela Risquez is a singer, early childhood educator specializing in outdoor education, and a children's book illustrator from Caracas Venezuela. She has worked in preschools, education organizations, and has a degree in behavioral analysis. She loves working with kids and performs as a professional singer when she is not making all the kiddos giggle! Dani currently substitutes in Bilingual Birdies Asheville classes and performs in birthday parties, school, and community concerts as part of the program’s performing band of teachers.

asheville@bilingualbirdies.com

828-772-6825

In Person
Adventures with Zee
Spanish 0-5 yrs
Wed 10:30am-11:15am
September 24 - November 12 Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Total: $200 USD-0/8 Weeks

Note

Parking for Story Parlor can be found on residential streets, across the street at Cooperative Coffee, or at Archetype Brewing just a block down from Story Parlor.

Caretaker and child classes involve some sitting on the floor, but we have chairs for any adults who prefer to sit in chairs or stand. We often start sitting on the floor in a circle but children and adults are not expected to remain sitting, as we get up and dance and play together. With this age group we encourage exploration and play. Children absorb language and music in so many different ways, and it can take a few classes for kids that are new to taking group classes to get into the groove! More details provided after registration. Please email for any questions. asheville@bilingualbirdies.com
For customers who have been severely affected financially by Hurricane Helene, please email to explain and we can try to arrange for financial assistance, which will depend upon enrollment numbers and any donations we receive.
If you would like to try a class for free, please email asheville@bilingualbirdies.com to schedule a demo class with us! We would love to welcome you to see that class is the right fit for your family and little ones.
$200 USD Total

0/8 Weeks

ENROLL

Your teacher and Zee Birdie are waiting to take you on the best bilingual adventure ever! This semester is about learning 10-20 new words per class that relate to moving your body and enjoying a safari adventure in the jungle. Children learn through music, movement, and puppetry! Classes end with a bubble dance party extravaganza. Each enrolled family receives materials to practice at home including: a plush mini Zee Birdie puppet, one bilingual ebook per month reflecting themes from class, an album download of the 10 best original songs from class, and bilingual vocabulary sheets highlighting keywords from the curriculum. All teachers are trained and certified in the Bilingual Birdies methodology and use intruments and props in class to make learning fun and engaging for all ages. Families should expect to sing and dance while they learn new words, bond with their children, and connect with other budding bilingual families!

Carla Orellana

Carla Orellana is a native Spanish-speaking artist, mentor and teacher. She was born in Venezuela to a Colombian mother and a Salvadoran father, with heritage that includes an Indian grandfather. Carla creates a welcoming atmosphere that fosters a deep appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity in all its forms. Her true magic shines when she works with children. She brings a loving presence and creates a contagiously playful and spontaneous atmosphere in her classes. Get ready to embark on a joyful journey of learning through music with Carla!

asheville@bilingualbirdies.com

828-772-6825

In Person
Adventures with Lulu
French 0-5 yrs
Wed 04:00pm-04:45pm
September 24 - November 12 Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Total: $200 USD-0/8 Weeks

Note

Parking for Story Parlor can be found on residential streets, across the street at Cooperative Coffee, or at Archetype Brewing just a block down from Story Parlor.

Caretaker and child classes involve some sitting on the floor, but we have chairs for any adults who prefer to sit in chairs or stand. We often start sitting on the floor in a circle but children and adults are not expected to remain sitting, as we get up and dance and play together. With this age group we encourage exploration and play. Children absorb language and music in so many different ways, and it can take a few classes for kids that are new to taking group classes to get into the groove! More details provided after registration. Please email for any questions. asheville@bilingualbirdies.com
For customers who are extremely interested but have financial restraints, please email to explain and we can try to arrange for financial assistance, which will depend upon enrollment numbers and any donations we receive.
If you would like to try a class for free, please email asheville@bilingualbirdies.com to schedule a demo class with us! We would love to welcome you to see that class is the right fit for your family and little ones.
$200 USD Total

0/8 Weeks

ENROLL

Lulu's taking children on the best adventures ever this semester as she journeys to the North and South Pole to meet some icy friends and explore under the sea! Children learn 10-20 new vocabulary words in each class through music, movement, and puppetry! This is one of the most fun themed semesters that we offer!

Šara Stranovsky (French)

Dr. Šara ("Sha-rah") started Bilingual Birdies Asheville to offer Spanish and French and increase diversity for littles in Asheville. She is a trilingual performer from New York City with a BA in Dance, and MA/PhD in Performance and Cultural Studies. She has lived in France, Senegal, Brazil, Cape Verde, and toured on many international stages as a singer, dancer, and puppeteer. When not performing, Šara loves teaching kids to learn about other cultures through years of experience as an arts educator with world renowned institutions such as Lincoln Center, BAM, and beyond. She speaks French, Portuguese, Spanish and some Slovak and teaches both French and Spanish classes for Bilingual Birdies Asheville. She aims to help grow the global bilingual community in Asheville.

asheville@bilingualbirdies.com

828-772-6825

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