Bilingual Birdies

Asheville, North Carolina

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.

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.


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
Party with Kai
French
Registration closed.
0-5 yrs
Wed 04:00pm-04:45pm
January 08 - February 26 Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Total: $75 USD-5/8 Weeks

Note

NEW TIME CHANGE: This class was 4:45 and was changed 4pm by demand. Please email for an explanation on that. asheville@bilingualbirdies.com

Winter dates: Wednesdays 4:45-5:30 Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26.
Parking at Story Parlor can be found on residential streets, at Taco Billy or Archetype brewing, or in the gravel lot next to the cake store that shares the brick building with Story Parlor. The app-pay gravel lot is about $2.

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. With this agegroup 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. We can't wait to sing, dance, play and learn with you! Space and Sports will be so fun! asheville@bilingualbirdies.com

For customers who have been severely affected financially by Hurricane Helene who are unable to attend due to financial barriers, please email to apply for limited financial assistance spaces, which will depend upon enrollment numbers and any donations we receive.
$75 USD Total

5/8 Weeks

ENROLL

This semester Kai keeps the party going outdoors as he invites children on an imaginary camping trip to learn all about nature and different crawly insects! Children will learn 10-20 new vocabulary words in each class all through music, movement, and puppetry.

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.

In Person
Party with Myla
Spanish
Registration closed.
0-5 yrs
Tue 04:45pm-05:30pm
January 14 - March 04 Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Total: $100 USD-4/8 Weeks

Note

Class dates for winter session: Tuesday Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4. In the event of a cancellation, we will add on dates to the end.

Parking for Story Parlor can be found on residential streets, across at Cooperative Coffee, or at Archetype Brewing nearby.

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. 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
$100 USD Total

4/8 Weeks

ENROLL

Join Myla Birdie for a bilingual celebration in each class! This semester is about learning 10-20 new words per class that relate to making new friends and preparing for Myla's big birthday party. Children learn through music, movement, and puppetry! Classes end with a bubble dance party extravaganza. Each newly enrolled family receives materials to practice at home including: a plush mini Myla 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. (Note: Enrolled families who are returning from a previous series of Myla classes receive ebooks and vocabulary sheets only.) 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!

Šara Stranovsky (Spanish)

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.

In Person
Party with Myla
Spanish
Registration closed.
0-5 yrs
Wed 10:45am-11:30am
January 15 - March 05 Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Total: $100 USD-4/8 Weeks

Note

Class dates for winter session: Wed Jan 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar 5. In the event of a cancellation, we will add on dates to the end.

Parking for Story Parlor can be found on residential streets, and nearby businesses such as Taco Billy, Cooperative Coffee, or Archetype brewing, or in the little pay gravel lot ($2 by app) next to the cake shop.

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 limited financial assistance spaces, which will depend upon enrollment numbers and any donations we receive.
$100 USD Total

4/8 Weeks

ENROLL

Join Myla Birdie for a bilingual celebration in each class! This semester is about learning 10-20 new words per class that relate to making new friends and preparing for Myla's big birthday party. Children learn through music, movement, and puppetry! Classes end with a bubble dance party extravaganza. Each newly enrolled family receives materials to practice at home including: a plush mini Myla 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. (Note: Enrolled families who are returning from a previous series of Myla classes receive ebooks and vocabulary sheets only.) 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!

In Person
Party with Myla
Spanish
Registration closed.
0-5 yrs
Sat 10:30am-11:15am
January 18 - March 08 Attic Salt Theater
2002 Riverside Dr, Woodfin, NC 28804
Total: $100 USD-4/8 Weeks

Note

Class dates for winter session: Saturday Jan 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8. In the event of a cancellation, we will add on dates to the end.

Park on Riverside drive in the parking lot near the big 2002 sign. 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.
$100 USD Total

4/8 Weeks

ENROLL

Join Myla Birdie for a bilingual celebration in each class! This semester is about learning 10-20 new words per class that relate to making new friends and preparing for Myla's big birthday party. Children learn through music, movement, and puppetry! Classes end with a bubble dance party extravaganza. Each newly enrolled family receives materials to practice at home including: a plush mini Myla 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. (Note: Enrolled families who are returning from a previous series of Myla classes receive ebooks and vocabulary sheets only.) 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!

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