In a quinceañera court, the young women accompanying the honoree are commonly called damas.
The word dama means “lady,” and damas is its plural form. A traditional court may include several damas together with male attendants, often called chambelanes. The court participates in formal entrances, photographs, and choreographed dances.
The size and composition of a court are not universal. Some celebrations have many attendants, while others include only a few friends or relatives. Contemporary quinceañeras may also use mixed-gender groups without following older court conventions.
Damas are sometimes confused with madrinas. Madrinas are sponsors or honored adult supporters who may help provide items or services for the event; they are not normally the young women in the court. Terminology can vary by country and family, but damas is the standard term widely associated with female court members.