CAMBODIAN DANCE

As one of the dancers mentioned in “A Dance of Angels, a Legacy of Demons” (by Judith Coburn, Sept. 26), I can testify to the importance of Cambodian classical dance to Cambodians throughout the world. However, the article ignored the presence of this art form in our own back yard.

The Apsara Dancers is a classical troupe based in Van Nuys that I serve as dance master. The troupe has been performing throughout Southern California at colleges, ethnic festivals and libraries since 1986. It has received support from the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department as well as private foundations such as the Fund for Folk Culture.

SOPHILINE CHEAM SHAPIRO

Silver Lake

ON THE REEFS

George Downing’s description of surfing, “It’s all a matter of balance,” is more meaningful when applied to undersea environmental preservation (“Hangin’ Ten With the King of Casual,” by Steve Chapple, Sept. 26).

Artificial reefs, as opposed to coral reefs, are desperately needed to save what is left of the beleaguered coastal populations of sea creatures. Coral, the slow-growing and majestic base of many undersea ecosystems, is being destroyed by agricultural runoff, offshore oil exploration, pollution, irresponsible bottom fishing, “harvesting” for aquariums, ridiculous Navy testing, clearance for shipping lanes and good old-fashioned trash dumping.

To many sea creatures, already suffering from pollution and overfishing, the loss of the natural reefs means extinction. The attraction of sharks to artificial reefs should be celebrated, not feared. It may signal the beginning of a return to a balanced ecosystem.

BRIAN J. MCMAHON

Toluca Lake

THE NORPLANT DEBATE

I agree with the advocates of Norplant use among welfare mothers, or any other women who are incapable, unable or unwilling to take care of the children they already have (“The Dilemma of Desire,” by Lynn Smith and Nina J. Easton, Sept. 26).

Being the daughter of a physician, I realize the importance of medical testing and safety. We should all be informed about Norplant and its side effects. However, the article made the point that Norplant’s side effects are virtually the same as those of the Pill.

We must start somewhere to curb the cycle of poverty. The fewer children welfare recipients have, the more likely they are to pull themselves out of the welfare mire.

JENNA POWELL

North Hollywood

When I became sexually active at 16, I began a 10-year period of taking birth-control pills. I had the consent of both parents and was under a doctor’s supervision. After several years, concerned about the Pill’s safety, I read extensively what doctors were saying and inquired of my own. Some doctors advised taking a break in the cycle; others disagreed.

At 26, I decided against artificially stimulating my reproductive system and went off the Pill. That marked the beginning of more than three years of markedly irregular cycles, requiring the use of hormones. Who can say what effect the pill has had on my still-maturing body.

Norplant may be the right contraceptive for some women, but it is by no means without risks.

CINDY M. MAGUIRE

Los Angeles

While the Los Angeles Regional Family Planning Council certainly recognizes the potential for abuse in a contraceptive that is as long-lasting as Norplant, we take issue with the article’s suggestion that family planners and policy makers view Norplant as “deliverance from intractable problems” such as teen pregnancy and welfare dependency.

It is the family-planning community’s responsibility to ensure that all women are provided with as many contraceptive options as possible. Norplant is but one of these options.

Norplant is not for everyone, but thousands are using it, and to many it is an exciting option that provides them with a new kind of freedom.

We’d never condone the use of any method against a woman’s will, and no one method is the solution to all social problems. But we mustn’t discard a good new method just because it carries the potential for abuse.

MARGIE FITES SEIGLE, CEO

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FAMILY PLANNING COUNCIL INC.