conuly

In terms of "why learn to do it?", this was part of "cultured society" at the time, like table manners are (or at least were) in our time. We ordinary folks just learn this stuff as we go, but just like hoity-toity rich kids get tutors and special instruction, these lawyers were of a class that was trying to operate in higher-class circles, so it makes sense that there would be some manuals or instruction. Plus maybe it helps them pick up girls?

In terms of "why does a law school have these documents?", I have the impression that they were packrats and dance was not particularly special when it came to preservation priorities. But I haven't researched what else is in that stash; I came at this as a musician and dancer, not a law-school-history researcher.