[3] His primary affiliation from 1950 to 1973 was American Ballet Theatre,[4] first as a soloist and then as a principal dancer from 1957 onward.

However, Fernandez continued to perform with other companies as a guest artist or as a member for brief periods of time.

[8] He was particularly noted for the male principal roles in Giselle, Swan Lake, and La Sylphide, but danced contemporary works as well.

He partnered with the foremost ballerinas of his time including Fonteyn, Lupe Serrano, and Toni Lander.

[9] Fernandez was active as a teacher and guest performer with both major and small companies throughout the United States, eventually leaving active performing to join the faculty first of the University of South Florida in 1973[10] and then the State University of New York at Purchase from 1974.