[1] The group was formed in 1994 by Chris Gunst (guitar/vocals) and Jimmy Tamborello (bass/vocals), who met while they were both college radio DJs at KXLU in Los Angeles.

Strictly Ballroom was affiliated with the emo hardcore scene of the mid-to-late 1990s and played at known clubs such as Los Angeles' Jabberjaw.

[4][5][6][7] According to Tony Kiewel, president of Sub Pop Records, "Strictly Ballroom didn't really get out of California much but they were a fairly influential part of the local music scene while they were around.

Strictly Ballroom broke up in 1999, but members have continued to collaborate and join or start other musical projects.

[9] In 2022, Vans used two Strictly Ballroom songs, “Fire (Remix) (1997)” and “New Angels (1995),” in the Vans snowboarding short film, “It’s Love.” The short film, directed by Tanner Pendleton and parts of which were shot in Iceland, features streetstyle snowboarding.