The global body, World Dance Alliance (WDA), was formed in 1990 at the Hong Kong International Dance Conference.

Mission
To act as an advocacy and support group for dance in all its forms and dance-related people throughout the world.

Goals

• To establish centers of information, advocacy and communication for dance organisations and individuals, and to develop a forum for the exchange of ideas, expertise and resources for all areas of dance.

• To publish and present information to WDA members in several languages.

• To encourage awareness, access and understanding of dance as art, recreation, worship, human well-being and cultural expression in diverse communities throughout the world.

• To assist in the identification and promotion of all dance traditions, styles and approaches in recognition of their cultural, artistic and social importance.

• To encourage the protection of dance repertoire in all its forms by preservation through notation, film, video and other media.

• To coordinate, support and enhance the work of existing dance organisations.

• To collaborate with other organisations working in other art-forms, related disciplines, education and comunity activities.

• To facilitate international exchange and encourage dialogue among all peoples working in dance regardless of affiliation.

• To contribute through dance to a saner, safer world by mutual respect and global cooperation.

Membership
Membership in WDA is open to all individuals, institutions and organisations interested in dance. Applicants should submit a membership form with fees to one of the WDA Regions, or to a sub-division of a region as designated by that region.

Structure
The organisational structure of WDA comprises:

• Global Assembly

• Presidents' Committee

• Regional Boards of Directors

• Networks

• Communications Coordinator

Made up of up to twelve members from each Region including members of the Presidents' Committee.

Includes all elected Presidents from the Regions plus one other board member chosen by the Region.

Each Region is an incorporated, not-for-profit cultural organisation in the country of its head office with its own by-laws. Each has a Board of Directors elected by its membership.

At present there are three Regions while talks are underway for the establishment of Regions in Africa and the Middle East:

• WDA-Americas
• WDA-Europe
• WDA-Asia Pacific

Five Networks have been established to focus on specific aspects of dance including:

• Education & Training
• Research & Documentation
• Creation & Presentation
• Management & Promotion
• Welfare & Status