The female attendants in a traditional quinceañera court are commonly called damas.
Dama is Spanish for “lady,” and damas is its plural. A quinceañera court may include the celebrant, damas, and male attendants known as chambelanes. The attendants often wear coordinated formal clothing and participate in an entrance, choreographed dance, or other presentation during the reception.
The size and structure of the court are not fixed. Some families choose a large court, while others invite only a few attendants or omit the court entirely. Regional customs, family preference, budget, and the style of the celebration all affect the arrangement.
Damas are sometimes confused with madrinas. Madrinas are sponsors or honorary helpers, not necessarily members of the dance court. The terms can overlap informally in some families, but they describe different roles in the classic tradition.