What is the name of the female dancer who leads a samba school's drum section?

The female dancer who leads a samba school’s drum section is called the rainha de bateria.

In Brazilian Portuguese, rainha de bateria means “queen of the drum section.” During a Carnival parade, she dances ahead of the bateria—the school’s large percussion ensemble—and may interact with the drummers while showcasing the school’s rhythm and identity.

The role became prominent in Rio Carnival during the 1970s, when the dancer Adele Fátima famously led a samba school drum section. It grew into one of the most visible and celebrated positions in samba-school parades, often occupied by a respected community member or a well-known actress, model, singer, or television personality.

Rainha de bateria is often confused with madrinha de bateria, or “godmother of the drum section.” The roles are similar, and some schools use both titles. Traditionally, the godmother is associated with longstanding service to the school, while the queen’s position is more likely to change from year to year. Passistas are samba dancers generally, while the porta-bandeira carries the school’s flag.