The Jemez Rooms at Santa Fe Community College felt like a performance hall Thursday. Colorful, helium-filled balloons dotted the ceiling, metallic stars glistened on the walls and spotlights focused on performers in the 11th annual SFCC Student Expo.

When Megan Carlos took the stage, master of ceremonies Isaac De Luna told people in the back of the room to turn on the air conditioning "because it's going to get caliente."

Every step Carlos took caused the gold decorations on her turquoise belly-dancing costume to jingle. People sat up in their chairs as Carlos began to sensually swirl her hips, smile and sing.

"I guess I got my swagga back," she sang along with the techno music. With each twirl and twist, the gold decorations danced along with the beat.

The Student Expo is designed to give students a chance to showcase their talents, and maybe even earn extra credit for their classes. No matter the reason they were there, the performers seemed to dazzle the audience.

Joshua and Jolie Vonogden were scene stealers. Joshua read a powerful story about his abusive stepfather and how he overcame a particularly violent experience in which his stepfather went into a drunken rage when Joshua wanted to get an earring. The couple then sang a song with original lyrics by Joshua.

Between Joshua's smooth rap skills and Jolie's soulful voice, they enraptured the crowd. After the song ended, a few people gave them a standing ovation.

Music is how the pair met in New Orleans many years ago, Joshua said. "I was walking through a park and she was playing a guitar and singing under a tree," he said, speaking in a soft voice much different from the voice he used to tell his own story. "I said, 'I have to know who she is.' " They've been married for nine years.

As students drifted in and out to watch between classes, other performers shared their lives and experiences, reading stories about losing little brothers to death or being bullied.

Nina Anguiano of Santa Fe shyly presented jewelry she had made. Originally from Mexico City, Anguiano has been doing beadwork for just over a year. She was inspired to begin designing and making her own jewelry after looking over what was available in Santa Fe.

"I go downtown and visit all the stores and they have all the same (things)," Anguiano said. "Sometimes you want something different."

She began to learn the craft, and now she enjoys working with natural stones — particularly turquoise.

Other students, like Claire Edwards, sought to educate the crowd. Her short story, Urban Indians, details her experience as someone who lived away from her tribe. Although she often went with family to visit members of her tribe and participate in traditions, her cousins and friends on the reservation made her feel bad for "being an urban Indian."

The Student Expo is held every fall and every spring, coordinator Kathy Mannick said. "It's so eye-opening to see what our students can do — the talents and the interests and what their lives are like."

Contact Ana Maria Trujillo at 986-3084 or atrujillo@sfnewmexican.com.