Fernando Aguilera and Mohd Rafi, co-founders, Imperial Fernando Ballet Company
So he can dance. And how. Buenos Aires-born ballet dancer Fernando Aguilera studied under masters like Noemi Molinari, Wasil Tupin, Raul Gatto, Rina Valver and Ruben Chayan. Having started his own ballet company, Les Lions Ballet, in Argentina in 1996, Aguilera moved to Delhi to promote the dance. Along with partner Mohammed Rafi (obviously not the singer), he founded India Fernando Ballet Company in 2007; name later changed to Imperial Fernando Ballet Company (IFBC) with over 800 students and 10 studios in the city and around. Aguilera and Rafi set out to make Delhi men ballet dancers—though women are welcome, too. Says Aguilera, “There were no reputed ballet dance schools in the city. Those who wanted to learn the form had to go abroad. IFBC came as an answer.” Rafi is comfortable in the partnership. “Aguilera’s moves and my math help run the company successfully. We’re here to stay. We’re here to reign,” he says.
Indian dance form that interests: Kathak
Value the most in this world: Parents and ballet
Delhi in a line: It’s my second home. We have taught ballet to more than 10,000 students and it all started here