Karina Smirnoff Reunites With Dancing With the Stars Partner Ralph Macchio for New Movie

USMagazine, Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 6:45pm (PST)

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.

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"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!"

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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.

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"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