SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE: Host Cat Deeley (C) announces the eliminated contestants Brandon Dumlao (L) and Ariana Debose (R) on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE airing Tuesday, Oct. 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2009 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Kelsey McNeal/FOX.

So You Think You Can Dance faced its first two casualties for season six even before the top 20 began competing.

Billy Bell, who nearly broke his nose impressing the judges during Las Vegas week, is ill and won’t be able to return to the competition.  And Noelle Marsh, who made leaping backbends look effortless, blew-out a knee and may not be able to continue either.

Bell was replaced by Brandon Dumlao, who barely fell short of getting into the top 20.  Melanie LaPatin, who is one of the premiere choreographer’s on SYTYCD stood in for Marsh.  Dumlao’s excitement , however, was short lived.  At the first round of cuts, he was out along with Ariana Debose, the tractor driving Contemporary dancer from Newbern, NC.

Executive Producer, Nigel Lythgoe and judges Adam Shankman and Mary Murphy understand the pain dancers go through for the sake of their art and they admit injury and illness are a fact that can’t be overlooked.

They did, however, end the show on a bright note.  Brandon Dumlao may just get to skirt the rules next season and get a E-ticket back to Las Vegas.  All the judges agreed he never got a fair shake after jumping in for Bell with one day’s notice.

Click onto video for Nigel Lythgoe, Adam Shankman and Mary Murphy’s insights into dancer pain and suffering on SYTYCD.

So You Think You Can Dance continues with a two-hour show next Tuesday, beginning 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.