
On tonight's elimination episode of So You Think You Can Dance, Peter Sabasino, the last tap dancer standing, and Pauline Mata, a jazz dancer from West Covina, Calif., wound up in the bottom three and were sent home by the judges. The couple danced the quick step on last night's performance episode, but just didn't nail it. The style is considered by dancers and fans of the show alike to be the "kiss of death," especially when not executed properly.
Joining Pauline and Peter in the bottom three were Ellenore Scott and Ryan Di Lello, and shockingly, Karen Hauer and Kevin Hunte.
Judge Nigel Lythgoe came down especially hard on the dancers and the audience this episode, at one moment telling the crowd to "shut up." When Mollee Gray and Nathan Trasoras, who would have been the judges' overwhelming selection for a bottom three spot, were declared safe after a samba that fizzled, Lythgoe scolded the couple for being immature as well as the viewers, telling them that dancers don't get great without learning moments like being in the bottom.
After the bottom three pairs danced for their lives, he flat out told them that they weren't good enough, especially in comparison to performers from season 5, who are currently on tour.
On the bright side, the highlight of the evening was an immaculate performance piece called "Episodes," which was danced by three members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It was quiet, yet racing with control and emotion. Definitely a piece the contestants should be taking notes on.