A female member of a quinceañera’s court is traditionally called a dama.
The Spanish word dama means “lady,” and damas commonly participate as attendants in the formal presentation and dances. A court may also include male attendants, often called chambelanes. The group can accompany the quinceañera during the waltz, photos, entrances, and other planned parts of the reception.
The size and composition of a court are not fixed worldwide. Some families choose a large court, while others include only a few close friends or relatives. Contemporary celebrations may also omit a formal court altogether or adapt the roles to reflect the honoree’s friendships and family structure.
Dama is different from madrina. A madrina is generally a female sponsor or godmother, while a dama is an attendant. Regional usage can vary, but the distinction is useful when reading descriptions of traditional quinceañera ceremonies.