Rise up: From TU to 'Hamilton'

By Phaedran Linger on December 9, 2022

Cyndal Gilmore ’16 studied dance performance and choreography as an undergrad at TU. Now, she’s using her skills on “Hamilton” the musical’s North American tour. There are three casts roving the continent; Gilmore is part of the Philip company.

On Oct. 11–30, she came full circle when she performed at the Hippodrome Theatre.

Growing up, she trained at the Peabody Preparatory for Dance. After graduating from TU, Gilmore performed in regional shows like “Matilda,” “Cinderella” and “Prince of Egypt” at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts.

“Hamilton” is the first national tour she has booked. After traveling across America to take the stage, Gilmore was excited to be back in Baltimore to share her success with old friends and other TU alumni. The TU Alumni Association held an event before the Oct. 26 performance to show their support.

Below Gilmore shares her experiences being on tour and a few life lessons.

The moment and the movement

Being on tour gives her a chance to explore a new city every couple of weeks. Where some might get homesick, Gilmore thrives. Even before joining the show, she enjoyed traveling.

“It's fun. It’s like going on a long road trip, where you get to connect with thousands of people along the way,” she says.

Packing is the only downside, according to Gilmore. “It’s a complicated process, and it hasn’t gotten easier as time goes on.”

Get the job done

Gilmore says she’s busiest in the evening. She works as a swing, which means she switches out with characters depending on their needs. Occasionally, she has rehearsals at the theater during the day. If not, she goes to Pilates, shops and navigates the new city. 

Gilmore finishes her day with a show at night, where she can be called on for any of the five ensemble women. She hangs out backstage with her fellow cast members and afterward, heads back to the hotel.

Not throwing away her shot

When she first booked the show, Gilmore had yet to see it. Once she watched a performance, she was instantly stoked to be joining the cast.

“Everything about the show is intentional and critical to the story we are trying to tell,” she says. “I get to help tell someone else’s story while simultaneously living out mine, and I’m grateful for that.”

Her favorite part of being in the show is traveling and getting to know the different artists she loves. 

“We collectively get to see the impact the show has on communities all over the country and the world,” Gilmore says. “What a special show we get to do, and what a gift we get to share.”

Who tells your story

Gilmore says there is a lesson and reward embedded into every day she does “Hamilton.” As an artist, she says if you commit to your practice, it will lead you places. 

“Being called to be my authentic self through the lens of these five ensemble women onstage, while also telling this real-life story, is a true gift,” she says. 

It would not have happened without her education.

“Thanks, Towson, for being a major part of my story,” she adds.