In a quinceañera court, the participating girls are traditionally called damas. The Spanish word means ladies, and it parallels the term used for the young men who may accompany them.
Damas typically join the honoree in the formal entrance, the waltz, photographs, and other choreographed parts of the celebration. They may coordinate dresses or wear outfits selected to complement the quinceañera’s gown.
The court is one of the most visible traditions in a large formal quinceañera, but it is not mandatory. Some families choose a smaller group, include only relatives, or omit a court entirely. Modern celebrations may also use mixed-gender or nontraditional groups of friends.
Damas should not be confused with padrinas. Damas are participants in the court, whereas padrinas are sponsors or supporters. The vocabulary can also vary by country and family, so a contemporary celebration may use English titles or simply refer to the group as attendants.