The Spanish name for the teenage girls in a quinceañera’s court is damas.
Damas are female attendants who take part in the formal presentation and often perform the choreographed waltz. The word dama means “lady,” and the plural form is used for the group. Their coordinated dresses help create the court’s unified appearance.
A quinceañera’s court may also include chambelanes, the traditionally male attendants. In contemporary celebrations, the lineup is flexible: families may choose a mixed-gender court, fewer attendants, or no formal court at all.
Damas are sometimes confused with madrinas. Madrinas are godmothers or sponsors who may help provide items or services for the celebration; they are not simply the collective name for the young attendants. Regional vocabulary and family customs can differ.