Eric Nies

A revival of the 1970s disco-competition series of the same name, the 2003 edition of Dance Fever was, like its predecessor, executive-produced by Merv Griffin. As before, a panel of celebrities judged the best amateur dancers (individuals or two-person teams), with the winners earning a huge prize. Adding a reality-series twist worthy of American Idol and its ilk, the new version opened with a two-hour episode featuring highlights of the national auditions which yielded the 48 finalists. These worthies competed in the fields of ballroom dancing, hip-hop, salsa, wing, and tap through a subsequent series of elimination rounds taped in Las Vegas, with the ultimate winner(s) receiving a 100,000-dollar grand prize. This time around, the judges included rapper MC Hammer (aka Stanley Burrell), singer-actress Carmen Electra, and choreographer Jamie King. Hosted by Eric Nies, the "new" Dance Fever made its ABC Family Channel bow on July 13, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Burn up to 1000 calories an hour just by doing what used to be so much fun on the playground as celebrities Kelly Packard and Eric Nies join jump-rope champion Louis Garcia in a fat-blasting cardio workout that puts the power of weight loss right in the palm of your hands. A workout that is safe, easy, fun, perfect for indoor or outdoor exercise, and tones both the upper and lower body simultaneously, jumping rope is a simple way to get in shape and a cheap alternative to expensive gyms and exercise facilities. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Choreographer Tina Landon leads this edition of the MTV Grind workout series. Filmed in a dance club, the video is visually exciting, the music is upbeat, and the dancers are energetic. But the warm-up is insufficient, and the lack of cuing make it hard to follow and erratic. The cool down yoga stretch is the best part of this workout. Landon actually gives great cues during this segment. MTV Grind Workout: Fitness with Flava is best if used after a serious workout or just to give yourself a break from your regular aerobics workout. ~ Heather M. Fierst, All Movie Guide

Though neither the producers or original cast knew at the time, the first season of MTV's The Real World would become known as the pioneer effort of what is now an American obsession: reality television. Nor were the roomies cognizant of the fact that they would become prototypes for the long-spanning series; yet, thanks to Julie, Heather B., Becky, Eric, Norman, Andre, and Kevin, pop culture was introduced to the concept that within every Real World house exists seven caricatures of various "realities," including virgins, femme fatales, ladies men, angry inner-city dwellers, narrow-minded rural natives, high-strung artists, and sensitive musicians. In this groundbreaking original season, the kind-hearted but naïve Southerner Julie bonded with street smart Heather B., while Becky and Kevin tried to reconcile what ultimately became a long-standing tradition of racial tension between roommates. When he wasn't busy flirting with Julie, Eric Nies was pursuing a career in entertainment, while Andre tried to promote his band, and Norman, an openly bisexual male, worked diligently on his art endeavors. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide

By far the best video in the MTV Grind workout series, in this one you really feel like you're dancing at a NYC nightclub while you're getting aerobic exercise and learning new dance steps. There is great motivating music, and choreographer/instructor Lynda Nader does a good job cuing the steps. She gives pointers on how to increase intensity and raise the heart rate in order to get the most out of this aerobic dance workout. Teenagers and 20-somethings will probably enjoy this workout the most because of the hip-hop music and the array of beautiful MTV dancers demonstrating different moves. ~ Heather M. Fierst, All Movie Guide