Dancing With the Stars pro Karina Smirnoff is teaming up again with her Season 12 partner, Ralph Macchio -- but this time it's on Macchio's turf.

The dancer, 34, is currently filming a new movie written and directed by the actor, 51, about a 10-year-old boy who becomes fascinated with a beautiful yet troubled older woman he sees dancing in a neighboring house. Smirnoff plays the woman -- and she couldn't be more excited.

"It is a dream come true to have this opportunity in working with Ralph again," she tells Us. "He wrote such an inspiring script, and I'm grateful to be a part of it. The story is sweet but profound, and my character is very compelling. I'm loving the process!"

Another thing she's loving? Getting to step outside her comfort zone. "I'm excited to show a different side of me to the public," she gushes.

The movie is Smirnoff's first-ever movie role, but she's no stranger to playing different characters -- she does it every time she hits the dance floor with a new partner or a new routine.

"I feel like I've always acted within a dance," she says. "Now I get to just act, and I'm extremely excited for the opportunity."

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Karina Smirnoff Reunites With Dancing With the Stars Partner Ralph Macchio for New Movie