Exploring Ragas and Jazz: HeartBeat: LMU To Premiere At Loyola Marymount Univ

India-West Staff Reporter

LOS ANGELES, CA — Artist and composer Christopher Janney will debut his latest work, HeartBeat: LMU, as the featured cultural event of the annual South Asian Studies Association conference at Loyola Marymount University on March 1.

The performance explores the intersection of Indian philosophy and American musical traditions, drawing parallels between Indian ragas and jazz—both rooted in structured improvisation. “All performers agree on certain structures and forms while, at the same time, remaining open to the present moment,” Janney said.

For this iteration, Janney collaborates with dancer, actor, and LMU faculty member Mayuri Bhandari, a graduate of LMU’s Yoga Studies program. Integrating movement and philosophy, Bhandari described the experience as deeply immersive: “Dancing to the sound of my heartbeat pulls my focus inward, keeping me fully present, as the rhythm is constantly shifting.”

Part of Janney’s long-running HeartBeat series, this work continues his exploration of rhythm and movement, a journey he began in 1983 with Twyla Tharp principal dancer Sara Rudner. The piece gained international recognition in 1997 when Mikhail Baryshnikov incorporated it into his world tour and has since been reimagined with various artists, including a 2005 performance with vocal group The Persuasions at the American Heart Association.