CID is a non-governmental organization founded in 1873 within UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where it is based. It is the official partner of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. It brings together the most international, national, and local organizations, as well as select individuals active in dance. It reflects the principles of the United Nations and UNESCO and is open to all approaches to dance without prejudice to race, gender, religion, or social status.

It is governed democratically and has over 1100 institutional members and over 8000 individual members in 170 countries. It is a big community of dancers from all over the world with choreographers, dance educators and historians, administrators, and critics. It has prominent federations, associations, schools, and companies. Each year it adds a new member in its team and allows them to organize festivals, workshops, and competitions.