Laura Likes to Dance.

Laura was born 26 years ago and lives with her parents. Both parents have chosen careers inspired by their experience of having a daughter with Down's Syndrome.

Nina Larisch-Haider runs a health shop in Petone near Wellington and Christian Ra is a practicing healer based in Lyttelton. When Laura spends time with her father he becomes her weekend music manager, as she busks at the Riccarton market, the Christchurch Square or in Lyttelton Flea Market.

When mother Nina and Laura traveled from Germany to visit Christian who had already moved here, they decided to stay. New Zealand, says Nina, was so accepting of their daughter and they found people naturally friendly. This was not their experience in Germany where people with Down's Syndrome are 'hidden away'.

Laura has other Down's syndrome friends, also living in Lyttelton, who enjoy watching her perform. All are respected members of the Lyttelton community.