FIRST OFF . . .

Mikhail Baryshnikov canceled his sold-out appearances in Dallas this week because of an ankle injury he suffered in Atlanta. “We are very disappointed, of course, but we certainly had warning, since everybody knew about the injury,” said Tom Adams, director of the International Theatrical Arts Society in Dallas. Tickets will be refunded by mail, he said. Baryshnikov aggravated the injury he sustained in Atlanta in July by performing in Jacksonville, Fla., several days later, causing performances to be canceled or postponed in Birmingham, Ala.; Tallahassee and Pensacola, Fla.; and New Orleans. Baryshnikov’s stop in Dallas was part of a tour originally scheduled for 35 performances in 27 cities. Adams said it was scheduled to resume in Amarillo on Saturday.