In California and northern Mexico, if there’s a baile (a social gathering for dancing) and norteño or banda music is playing, young people will be on the floor. The scene has deep roots in northern Mexican culture and today a new generation is carrying it forward with its own rhythm.

Fuelled by TikTok, Instagram, and the shared language of movement, young dancers are reimagining tradition. Cowboy boots hit the concrete in huapango steps, while New Era caps swap places with Stetsons. Wrangler jeans ride low over scuffed dancefloors. Tramlines carved into fades sit beneath wide brims. The result is a fluid expression of identity: part ranchero, part city kid, entirely their own.

At its heart, this is a culture of joy, swagger, and connection. Nowhere embodies it more than Pico Rivera Sports Arena in East LA, a legendary spot that's become the movement's spiritual home. For many, Pico isn’t just a venue, it’s a rite of passage.

Taller the Hat, Closer to Heaven is a story about love found through dance. Shot predominately on Valentine’s Day 2023, this short film follows three friends, three dancers, as they get ready for a night at Pico. Set to the beat of Banda and Norteño, it’s a coming-of-age portrait sat on the precipice of old and new.