'So You Think You Can Dance' Results November 11: Pauline Mata and Peter Sabasino Eliminated

The Quickstep proved once again to be the "kiss of death" on 'So You Think You Can Dance,' as the couple who performed the famously unlucky dance was sent home Wednesday night. Despite performing what the judges called an "adorable" routine that showcased their personalities and charisma Tuesday night, Pauline Mata and Peter Sabasino were sent to the bottom six by viewers voting for the first time this season.

Joining them at the bottom: Ryan Di Lello and Ellenore Scott (hip-hop) and Karen Hauer and Kevin Hunte (Hustle). Exec producer Nigel Lythgoe said that voters had "gotten it wrong" in giving more votes to cutesy couple Mollee Gray and Nathan Trasoras -- whose salsa was dubbed "French fried, not sexified," by judge Mary Murphy -- than hustling hotties Karen and Kevin. He drew boos when he complained that Nathan was only getting votes "because young girls like you," not for his dancing abilities.

Ryan and Ellenore's hip-hop bank-heist routine was one Lythgoe said "didn't work at all, in any way, shape, or form," although Adam Shankman proclaimed Ryan, whose background is in ballroom, "the most transformed dancer of the night."

Each dancer in the bottom six was given the chance to save him or herself with a solo dance, but none of them wowed the judges. Lythgoe's assessment was harsh: "We, the judges did not think that anybody gave us a decent enough performance to stay in the competition," comparing them unfavorably to the standouts of Season 6.

Pauline was dismissed as charismatic but lacking in technique. Peter was sent home with these words from Lythgoe: "I'm sorry, this is our third tap dancer in two weeks. You're going home tonight, my friend."

The dancer receiving the most praise from judges: Krumper Russell Ferguson, whom Murphy dubbed "the King of Afrojazz" and of whom Lythgoe raved, "No question, you are the star of this season."

In a post-elimination conference call Thursday, Peter agreed that being a tapper is tough in this competition.

Peter on the bias against tap dancers
"Tap dancers are at a little bit of a disadvantage," he said. "It's not quite fair that tappers have to learn everybody else's style but no one else has to learn tap." He cited the show's policy that tap is too hard to teach someone in such a narrow time frame, but added, "It would be nice if they did some tap one season."

Peter on his post-show plans
Instead of feeling discouraged about the speedy elimination of this year's tappers, Peter said, "I hope I inspire other tappers to audition for the show, because if i can make it, any other tapper can make it." His post-show dream is to start a tap-oriented dance series.

On drawing the doomed quickstep
Both Peter and Pauline feared they might be doomed when they drew the quickstep, but Peter said, "I thought my solo was strong enough," to stay, although both he and Pauline agreed that 30 seconds isn't long enough to showcase most styles.

Pauline on her ups and downs
Pauline thought she was a goner long before, when she injured her ankle, saying it was a "shock" when she wasn't cut, but allowed to continue. She then went through three different partners in as many weeks, which she admits was "stressful." Then the hip-hopper had the bad luck to draw two ballroom dances (waltz and quickstep) in a row.

Pauline on what's next for her
She plans to "go back to the studio that I grew up at," and would love to add fashion "as a side thing to dance." Pauline promised, "People, look out for me, because I'll be out there someday."