Taiwan showgirls strip to appease the dead

TAOYUAN, Taiwan (AFP) - Dressed in mini skirts barely covering their hips, the two girls took to the neon-lit stage and moved vigorously to the loud pumping pop music. Their job: to appease the wandering spirits.

As the temple facade in the background changed colour from the fireworks lighting up the Taiwanese night sky, the show climaxed with pole-dancing and striptease in front of an audience consisting of men, women and children.

"This is hard work but I need to make a living," said 18 year-old En En, out of breath after stripping for the crowd during the recent religious festival.

En En had just earned NT$3,000 (S$126) for her act, which began on stage, but ended as she mingled with the audience, letting men touch her for tips.