DiscoverThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesAUDIO ONLY - Taiwan’s Funeral Strippers: “Dancing for the Dead” – S5-E40
AUDIO ONLY - Taiwan’s Funeral Strippers: “Dancing for the Dead” – S5-E40

AUDIO ONLY - Taiwan’s Funeral Strippers: “Dancing for the Dead” – S5-E40

Update: 2025-12-11
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THIS IS AUDIO-ONLY. A LONGER VIDEO VERISON IS AVAILABLE.

This episode may not be suitable for minors.


Yes, funeral strippers are real, and their story is far more complicated than the headlines. With anthropologist Marc L. Moskowitz as our guidewe climb aboard Taiwan’s infamous Electric Flower Cars, neon-lit mobile stages where dancers perform during funerals and temple processions.


In this dual episode (video/audio only), Eryk chats with Professor Moskowitz about his documentary, Dancing for the Dead. The discussion explores how this controversial tradition took root, why it exploded into public debate in the 1980s, and what it reveals about Taiwan’s rural-urban cultural divide.


Critics call it immoral. Performers call it a livelihood. Fans say it keeps the spirits and the crowds entertained; enjoy this provocative, colorful, and surprisingly heartfelt look at one of Taiwan’s most misunderstood cultural practices.


Watch a 47-min interview video HERE.


 


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AUDIO ONLY - Taiwan’s Funeral Strippers: “Dancing for the Dead” – S5-E40

AUDIO ONLY - Taiwan’s Funeral Strippers: “Dancing for the Dead” – S5-E40

John Ross and Eryk Michael Smith