Meet SuSu Pampanin: A master percussionist at Oasis
Discover the incredible talent of SuSu Pampanin, a world-renowned percussionist joining Oasis Dance Camp and Retreat. Learn about her illustrious career, her unique teaching style, and the unparalleled opportunity to study with a true master of Middle Eastern percussion.
A legacy in rhythm: SuSu Pampanin's journey
SuSu Pampanin is a world-renowned percussionist specializing in Middle Eastern percussion. Raised by the well-known dancer, Amina Goodyear, SuSu grew up playing for dance classes and performing with Amina’s dance company, the Aswan Dancers. Her deep roots in the art form have shaped her into the exceptional musician she is today. Her unique blend of traditional knowledge and contemporary performance makes her an invaluable asset to the Oasis Dance Camp and Retreat experience.
Collaborations and recordings: A rich musical tapestry
SuSu has recorded and performed with acclaimed groups such as the women’s world music fusion group ‘Wild Mango’, and the percussion ensemble, Keith Terri and Crosspulse, and Stella Mara. In 1990, SuSu and the Cairo Cats released "Dancing drums," followed by her solo album "Hands of Time" in 2000. Her recent work includes "Nostalgia" with Safaa Farid and his band in Cairo (2013), and a 2020 collaboration with Reda Henkesh of the world-famed Henkesh family. These diverse experiences highlight her versatility and mastery of Middle Eastern percussion.
Teaching and performance: A dancer's drummer
Attendees at Oasis Dance Camp will have a special opportunity to learn from SuSu Pampanin, who has been a faculty member at the Middle Eastern music and dance camp in Mendocino since 2015 and at Women Drummers International’s “Born to Drum” camp since 2006. She is well known as a dancer’s drummer, teaching workshops and performing at prestigious dance festivals such as Cairo Shimmy Quake, HotRaqs, Yahalla Y’all, Mendocino Music and Dance Camp, and Festival on the Nile in Orlando. SuSu has also graced several of Cassandra Shore’s Jawaahir weeklong events. Her teaching style focuses on the intricate relationship between rhythm and movement, offering invaluable insights for dancers and musicians alike. SuSu also enjoys studying other instruments, including the oud and nai.