Not because of her amazing voice, an Oklahoma lady grabbed the show during a Christmas concert last month. She didn’t really sing a single note.
Marie Dallam’s passionate bell ringing more than made up for her lack of poetry.
The 47-year-old went above and above with dancing, jazz hands, and a range of goofy facial expressions for the Oklahoma City Chorus’ rendition of Jingle Bells, even though her job was to give the tinkling bell sounds.
What fun! The OK City Chorus’ Christmas performance has gone viral.
Bringing joy! During the song, Marie was asked to jingle a set of gold bells, which she did with great enthusiasm.
Before deciding to change things up this year, Marie, a graduate of Harvard Divinity School who now teaches religious studies at the University of Oklahoma, was singing with the OK City Chorus.
Marie was in charge of ringing the bells when the choir performed “Clang Bells,” but she also brought extra props.
In a now-viral mobile phone video, Marie is seen wearing black pants and a red lace shirt similar to those of her coworkers, but she is also sporting a pair of eye-catching green novelty sunglasses.
She makes funny and happy expressions, wriggles her whole body, dances, puts up jazz hands, and rattles the bells while the choir sings.
She admitted to Inside Edition, “We didn’t really practice.”
I was advised by one of the ladies organizing to be as goofy as possible and ring the jingle bells. I was thinking, “Be as goofy as possible,” at the moment.
“I consider myself to be a serious and shy person in my everyday life, but being a part of the OK City Chorus allows me to indulge in my silly side,” she said.
She certainly did deliver. Marie clarified that she isn’t usually such a goofball, however.
I think of myself as a quiet and serious person in daily life. “I can indulge in my humorous side as a member of the OK City Chorus,” she said.
She is not worried that the video would make her famous, even if it is a change for her.
“It is different from my usual demeanor, but I am not ashamed,” she said.
On Facebook, where the OK City Chorus first posted the video, Marie’s performance has garnered over six million views, and hundreds of commenters have praised her.
“Ha!” I would like having her as a friend! One woman commented, “I bet she’s a kick in the pants.”
Another person said, “This woman knows how to get into the music,” while a third person observed, “You know the choir director regrets giving her the bells!” She’s amazing!
“This is a great example of jingling all the way!” I added another. A lousy jingle is disliked by everybody! This really improved and brightened my Christmas! I appreciate you sharing; I followed suit. Happy Christmas! OKC ladies